Opposition leader Allen Chastanet has announced plans to appeal the August 18 High Court dismissal of his application for leave to bring a claim for judicial review in the Comptroller of Customs’ decision to withdraw a case against Dr. Ernest Hilaire.
“There is too much at stake not to continue this case,” Chastanet told a news conference Tuesday, during which he read the following statement:
Last week, the Judge of the High Court denied my application for leave for a Judicial Review of the Comptroller of Customs’ decision to withdraw the case against Ernest Hilaire filed by the Department of Customs.Â
This case was brought by Customs when a luxury vehicle, namely a Range Rover was exported to St.Lucia from the United Kingdom in the name of the St.Lucia High Commission but upon arrival, such vehicle was claimed personally by Ernest Hilaire.
 When Customs’ requests for proof of individual ownership of the Range Rover were ignored by Hilaire, the Controller of Customs filed a claim. Upon this Government assuming office, the new Comptroller, without any evidence of ownership being presented by Hilaire, withdrew the claim.Â
The learned judge last week made clear that he would not consider the facts or merits of the case against Ernest Hilaire, but only contemplated whether our application for a Judicial Review met the necessary threshold.Â
He decided that we did not provide sufficient evidence as to the DPP’s official role in the case and as such, he agreed that the Comptroller of Customs was allowed to use his discretion to withdraw or terminate the case.Â
Surprisingly, considering this was an administrative matter, the judge also awarded costs to Hilaire. This decision in no way exonerates Ernest Hilaire of the allegations made against him.
My legal advisors and I are currently reviewing the Court’s decision with the intention of appealing the decision. It is my strong belief that this is a matter of public interest and the Comptroller of Customs owes the public of St Lucia an explanation of his unilateral decision to withdraw the case.
The person involved is a senior politician with a lot of influence within this administration and we must all be satisfied that he was not treated differently from any ordinary citizen. Crucially, given the heightened publicity surrounding this case, it was imperative that the Comptroller protect the integrity of his office by being fully transparent.Â
The purpose of the Judicial Review is to hold the Comptroller accountable to the people and to explain why he chose not to consult the Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions, the Director of Finance or the former Comptroller before deciding to withdraw the case.Â
In his position, one of the most important Civil Service positions, integrity must guide all his decisions. He must also explain why he has accepted the Bill of Lading presented as proof of ownership, especially in light of the evidence that that vehicle was registered in the name of the St Lucia High Commission which means it belonged to the Government and People of St.Lucia.Â
He must also explain how Ernest Hilaire was able to clear a vehicle from Customs duty-free without providing the requisite evidence that he owned the vehicle.Â
The United Workers Party will continue to pursue this matter until all legal means have been exhausted. We believe it is critical that all public officers are held accountable to their pledge to uphold the laws of the Country and protect the best interest of the public without favour. No officer should be allowed simply use his/her discretion without being transparent and accountable.Â
 This administration continues to make decisions which put our regional and international reputation in jeopardy and we must question public officers who play a part in that. There is too much at stake for us all otherwise.Â
The law should apply equally to all. If it doesn’t you will eventually end up with a banana republic. Although you’re doing it for political mileage and not the interest of the people or country, I applaud you nonetheless.
AHHHH! Give it a rest!!!
What did you do about the minister from Dennery who quietly resigned from office? He was caught red handed! What did you do?
Chas and his “at home legal team” are not giving up. Rangerover fetish! Go for it Chas! While you at it, file an injunction on guy for the pajoah letter. Let’s bring all to justice for the good of Saint Lucia and not for ourselves and families
Allen Chastanet – woof, woof; ruff, ruff; arf, arf, yap, yap; yip, yip, bow wow.
He he he he he I want to cry and laugh at the same time…… hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha. From the Arabs come down and set up Pierre, and Castries Harbour gone thru he have nothing to cling to, now they throw Hilaire bath water in his face. “It’s my strong belief this is a matter of public interest”……. hahaha hahaha hahaha due we are over it move on. You had them take the vehicle and they had to give it back move on. How old is that Range Rover now ?? I mean like really ,???
These greasy old men and their drama
Yes chas draw them out
And you Hot skull can be summoned like some mongrel pup.
Anus kissers like low grade, fox and other should put pressure on the government to bring Chas and Guy before the special prosecutor to answer all the allegations prior to the election, that will now bring out all the flambeau Anus kissers. Where is all the documents RF has? Now Chas go all the way on Helaire case let’s see the final outcome. People stop putting party before country. Let the politicians answer the charges. Some of you all only on tv you all seeing the politicans. But always ready to defend red or yellow.
Uncle chass need to go and brush his teeth
It is sad the greed that has take. Over our beautiful Stlucia.everyone is for a prize in Stlucia. No longer are things done honestly and fairly In Stlucia. U go to customs. Infaustructure. I name it as long as the higher up bosses are getting their cut there is bobol. They will ruin their name, integrity for their cut. See how they punish us the low class for simple little things like having a death and passing with 50 plastic glassses because we cannot afford to give them a cut but those politicians gets away with everything simply by flashing s few dollar bills. They will call up infaustructure tell them make a contract for c amount of money and they go. Their friends ptojects are made at high cost no matter how simple and not worth it the job is and the malaway the job maybe complicated and worth more they will put it at the lowest cost. I say whoe unto these politicians and people. God has his day for them and when we see our kids stealing. Killing. Doing hay stuff and all we are quick to say is mal they do them it is our sins the sins of the parents that they are paying for. Do good with truth and honesty do that good can follow us our children and grand children. Let’s turn away from our corruptions and help save our country. Peace and love
@Anonymous Clown there should be a limit between seeking justice to anoint your bruised ego and character assassination for political gains. There are no fair games in politics, the scales of justice are always unbalanced. A this Juncture for John Public it’s water under the bridge, even if he is successful in his appeal the outcome will demonstrate the usual political mediocrity of which we all come to known.
@Lowgrade: who dictated that for you? an example of something above you.