St Vincent Opposition Welcomes Appeal Court’s Ruling

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, Mar 07 2017 – The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Appeal today overturned a decision by a High Court judge here to throw out petitions by the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) as improperly filed.

The NDP candidates in the December 9, 2015 general elections, Ben Exeter and Lauron “Sheara” Baptiste, were asking the High Court to declare them the winners in Central Leeward and North Windward, or order fresh elections in those constituencies.

But Justice Brian Cottle last April upheld an application by the respondents to throw out the petitions as improperly filed and the opposition appealed.

Sitting in St Lucia today, the three-member Court Appeal ruled that Justice Cottle had demonstrated apparent bias in his handling of the matter.

The appellate court ruled that Cottle’s order to strike out petitions be set aside and that the hearing of the petitions and motions to strike be remitted to the High Court to be heard by a different judge, expeditiously.

In response to the ruling, the NDP said justice for the people could be one step closer.

“The ruling now paves the way for the petitions to be heard before a judge, a decision welcomed with equal relief by the leadership and general membership of the NDP who have fought long and hard for it,” the party said in a statement.

In the wake of the decision, NDP President Godwin Friday said, “Whilst we welcome this ruling, we are fully aware of the challenges, which are still before us, as we seek justice for the people of Central Leeward, North Windward, and by extension all Vincentians.  We look forward to the next step in this battle, as the NDP continues to pursue efforts to provide the people of SVG with the government that we deserve.”

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