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Judge rules in favour of PS O’Neal-Morton for legal case to continue against Gov't

A High Court Judge has said Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Dr Carolyn O’Neal-Morton has a case against the Government of the Virgin Islands and has ruled against the attempt for the matter to be struck out. Photo: GIS/File
Left: Justice Sonya Young awarded costs to Dr Carolyn O’Neal-Morton, which means the Government must pay Dr O’Neal-Monton's legal fees of some four thousand dollars for their failed attempt to have the case struck out. Right: Appearing for Dr O’Neal-Monton was high profile Attorney Terrence F. Williams. Photo: belizejudiciary.org/VINO/File
Left: Justice Sonya Young awarded costs to Dr Carolyn O’Neal-Morton, which means the Government must pay Dr O’Neal-Monton's legal fees of some four thousand dollars for their failed attempt to have the case struck out. Right: Appearing for Dr O’Neal-Monton was high profile Attorney Terrence F. Williams. Photo: belizejudiciary.org/VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Almost two years now Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Dr Carolyn O’Neal-Morton was sent on leave as criminal investigations into that office under former Premier Andrew A. Fahie began. Her issue was she asked Auditor General Sonia M. Webster for more time to provide information during an audit of funds distributed during the 2020/21 global lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year Dr O'Neal-Morton, a Virgin Islander, then filed a Constitutional Motion against former Governor John J. Rankin, the Public Service Commission, and Attorney General Dawn J. Smith for violation of her rights.

A loss for the AG Chambers

After the case was postponed at least two times, a hearing was held last year. Yesterday, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, High Court Judge Sonya Young handed down her judgment.

The Attorney General's Chambers had argued for the case to be struck out as they claimed it was without merit; however, Judge Young strongly rejected those arguments and noted that there was enough evidence for the case to move forward, therefore ruling against the Government.

Judge Young also awarded costs, which means the Government must pay Dr O’Neal-Monton's legal fees of some four thousand dollars for their failed attempt to have the case struck out.

Appearing for Dr O’Neal-Monton was high profile Attorney Terrence F. Williams and for the Attorney General’s Chambers was Nicosie Dummett.

Too many cases against Gov't by residents

The former Governor and the current Commissioner of Police Mark Collins are facing almost 15 cases against them from public officers and civilians. The cases ranged from violation of their human rights, unfair treatment, unfair retirement, not following the laws, denial of promotion, and alleged police brutality. Most of the legal actions are from police officers against the Governor and Mr Collins.

The Police Force and the Judiciary are under the portfolio of Governor Daniel Pruce. Many residents are concerned about both the many cases brought against the Governor, Police Commissioner, and the Attorney General by residents and the many charges the government has against public officers for Breach of Trust.

Many commentators opined that Taxpayers might be stuck with millions and millions in claims for legal fees, as efforts to carry out the agenda of the UK and the one-man Commission of Inquiry continue.

13 Responses to “Judge rules in favour of PS O’Neal-Morton for legal case to continue against Gov't”

  • Citizen (08/02/2024, 11:43) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    What else is new?
    • What’s new (08/02/2024, 13:19) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      Obviously, she’s innocent. She won’t ever have to work again… good for her but the UK has stuck tax payers with that bill.
  • Over reaction (08/02/2024, 12:09) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    by the media in this drama. Her case against the government will continue but that fact is not newsworthy. Any competent lawyer can smell a weak argument then file an application to strike out a case that is without merit.
  • Oppression (08/02/2024, 12:16) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Poor tax payers we going be left holding the bag
  • HERE HE COME (08/02/2024, 13:18) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    The canary has got some much needed excuse to flex off on g
    / go ahead they have made your day , nail their aszez to the cross , you will be a hero
  • Rubber Duck (08/02/2024, 13:54) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    The uk agenda must be exposed
    • Arrest & charge (08/02/2024, 16:09) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      If they don't have enough evidence to arrest and charge these people for wrong doings. Leave the people alone in their job..
  • TurtleDove (08/02/2024, 15:28) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why the AG is pushing these cases? Whose agenda is being persued
  • Native Tongue (08/02/2024, 17:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The AG is a Dudd
  • bbc (09/02/2024, 06:34) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    see how the former slave owners is back disrupting who is oneal vs the government: black against black
  • John B (09/02/2024, 07:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    She will get justice them people to wicked
  • Norris Turnbull (09/02/2024, 07:32) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    "Her issue was she asked Auditor General Sonia M. Webster for more time to provide information during an audit of funds distributed during the 2020/21 global lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

    This is call Bullying and intimidation. Stand Your Ground Ms.O'Neal
  • bvibuzz (10/02/2024, 21:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I heard the AG case is weak leave Virgin Islander alone they built the bvi


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