Court of Appeal ruling in Contempt matter on Monday

The Judicial and Legal Complex on East Independence Square Street

ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 (CUOPM) -The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal which sits here on Monday , following the formal opening of the new Law Year 2010/2011 is expected to hand down judgement in the Contempt of Court case involving former Attorney General of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Dennis Merchant.

The Attorney General had asked the Court of Appeal to set aside the Judgment and Orders of Her Ladyship, Justice Rita Joseph-Olivetti including the Order of costs of the Learned Judge on several grounds.

Senior Counsel, Mr. Anthony Astaphan, S.C., appearing for St. Kitts and Nevis Attorney General submitted to the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, that the finding of contempt by the lower court was a travesty of justice, a severe violation of the rule of law and a constitutional heresy.

Mr. Astaphan was assisted by Dr. Henry Stogumber Browne, Mr. Sylvester Anthony and Dr. the Hon. Kenny Anthony. The Hon. Shawn Richards, the Respondent, was represented by the Hon. Mia Mottley, Mr. Leslie Haynes, Ms. Constance Mitcham, Mrs. Greta Foreman and Mr. Vincent Byron.

The three-judge panel hearing was Her Ladyship, Madame Justice Ola Mae Edwards, His Lordship Mr. Justice Michael Gordon and His Lordship, Mr. Justice Davidson Baptiste who reserved judgement in November of last year,

Several Civil, High Court and Magisterial matters will also be heard by the Appeal Court which is comprised of Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Hugh Rawlins and Justices Janice George Creque, Ola Mae Edwards and Davidson Baptiste.

During this sitting, Resident High Court Judge, His Lordship Mr. Justice Errol Thomas will also act as a Justice of the Court of Appeal.