Photo – Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas greeted by supporters on leaving the Sir Lee Llewellyn Moore Judicial and Legal Services Complex
663/2018
Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 21, 2018 – The defence team for St. Kitts and Nevis’ Leader of the Opposition and Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher 6, the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas complied with a court order Thursday and filed the necessary submission with regard to costs in the civil matter brought by Newton Ground constituent, Mr. Cuthbert “Big Chief” Mills.
Angelina Gracey Sookoo-Bobb has confirmed that Dr. Douglas’ defence team filed the necessary documents for legal costs in the case Mills brought against the former prime minister and seven-term parliamentarian.
Mills went to court seeking the removal of Dr. Douglas as a Member of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly claiming that the Dominica Diplomatic Passport given to him by the Commonwealth of Dominica and which he has travelled on, disqualifies Dr. Douglas from being a member of the lawmaking body.
On July 13, High Court Judge, Mr. Justice Trevor Ward QC agreed with Dr. Douglas’ legal team that Mr. Mills’ claim should be struck out.
The judge ruled that the claim amounted to an abuse of the process of the court, having been filed one month after the Attorney General’s claim and under the constitution, it does not allow Mr. Mills to bring a second claim or to intervene.
Justice Ward also pointed out that based on the same reliefs asked for at least three of the same witnesses submitted by Mr. Mills were not in the public’s interest, but an abuse of the process.
Justice Ward ordered both sides to make submissions on the issue of costs on July 19.
Dr. Douglas’ legal team was led by Mr. Anthony Astaphan SC and included Delano Bart, QC, Sylvester Anthony and Angelina Gracey Sookoo-Bobb.
Mr. Mills’ legal team comprised Mr. Anthony Ross QC, Mrs. Stacy Ann Aberdeen-Sargeant and Ms. Nadia Chiesa.
