Lawyers have already begun working on appeal – Eustace

Even though their election petitions have been thrown out of court, Arnhim Eustace and the New Democratic Party are not being deterred from pursuing justice.

Speaking on the New Times radio programme on Nice Radio yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition said their team of lawyers has already begun work on the appeal.{{more}}

“We remain focused on the Court of Appeal to hear this matter. As such, our lawyers, had begun, even before … the judgement [was delivered], the preparation of our appeal.”

On Thursday, Justice Brian Cottle struck out the two petitions filed by NDP candidates Benjamin Exeter and Lauron Baptiste, pertaining to the elections in Central Leeward and North Windward respectively.

The judge said the petitioners were obligated to provide sureties, but had not done so.

Cottle had in April strongly hinted that his ruling would be in favour of the respondents, who had asked for the case to be struck out on those grounds.

Eustace, however, explained that for months now, the NDP had been asking Justice Cottle to refer the issue of the recognizance to the Court of Appeal.

“The judge himself, at a sitting on the 28th April, indicated that was an advisable route. Nothing, therefore, has changed for us,” Eustace said.

He noted that his team of lawyers, whom he referred to as ‘Team Democracy,’ will bring the matter before the Court of Appeal when it sits next in September.

Eustace disclosed that September 24 has been given as the date when the appeal will be heard, which he said is not “a bad date,” as it is within one week after the court returns from vacation.

The Opposition Leader firmly stated that the petitions shall live on.

“We daresay there shall yet be a trial of the petitions!” (CM)