BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 5TH 2015 (CUOPM) – The High Court in St. Kitts on Monday refused an application by an opposition parliamentarian, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, to have his Motion of No Confidence matter be heard at the same time with a similar matter brought by Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Mark Brantley.
According to a reliable source, on December 19th, the Claimant – Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris made an application to have the matter heard with SKBHCV 2014/0090 – filed by the Hon. Mark Brantley and in which all Opposition members are involve – on the basis that the same constitutional provision and the same issues of law are in issue in both matters.
Lawyers for the Claimants also referred to the fact that the same lawyers appeared in both matters.
Counsel for both Defendants – the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Attorney General Chambers – pointed out that the affidavits filed by the Claimant – Dr. Harris – on December 29th, 2014 put in issues, matters which may need to be resolved by further evidence filed by the Defendants and cross examination if necessary.
On Monday 5th January 2015, the High Court denied Dr. Harris’ application to have the matter heard on the same day as SKBHCV2014/0090 and gave the following directions.
1. The Defendants to file any further affidavits by January 26th, 2015
2. Applications are to be filed by February 2, 2015.
3. Affidavits in response to applications filed are to be filed by February 13, 2015.
4. Hearing of Applications – February 20, 2015 @ 2:30pm.
5. Hearing date – March 6th, 2015.