Leader of the Opposition Allen Chastanet was handed a disappointing high court judgement this week in a case brought against him by Independent Central Castries Parliamentary Representative Richard Frederick.
Frederick’s case was filed as a result of comments made by Chastanet concerning the Bannanes land sale which Chastanet believes was not above board.
The High Court has ordered Chastanet to pay $60,000 plus cost for defamatory statements against Frederick. The high court also issued a perpetual injunction which prevents Chastanet from revisiting his accusations ever again. According to Frederick, his frustration in the string of accusations reached its limit when a video peddled on social media injured his character with accusations of corruption and misuse of office. The Central Castries MP, who was Minister of Housing at the time, says he attempted to clarify on numerous occasions that there was nothing nefarious about the land sale, yet he faced the wrath of Chastanet and his supporters.
In Chastanet’s estimation the land in question, which he says was valued at $60,000,000, was sold at a drastically reduced cost in what he seemingly suggested was a secret deal. Frederick contends that the government asset was never valued at that figure, describing it as property that required tremendous work to make appropriate for use.
Chastanet is reeling from a crushing defeat at the December 1st polls when the United Workers Party (UWP), which he leads, won one solitary seat, that of Micoud South. The Micoud South MP, only two months ago, was shot down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in his appeal in the “Rovergate Saga.” Chastanet contended then that Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire failed to produce appropriate documentation in his importation of a Landrover Discovery after his tenure as High Commissioner in London. The CCJ did not agree with his position.
Meanwhile, in a press statement, the UWP Political leader acknowledged the decision of the court and respected the court’s decision in the matter brought by Richard Frederick.
However, he outlined that thus far he has “only received the Judge’s oral summary” and that he and his team were awaiting “the full written judgement” of the court. He says that based on the summary provided, they “are of the firm view that there are very strong and compelling grounds” for appeal. Chastanet made clear that he was confident in his position and the appellate process.