Caribbean News

No Grounds For Judical Review against Gonsalves

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent: No grounds for judicial review, said Justice Gertel Thom on Tuesday morning, dismissing an application for judicial review by lawyers representing a female police officer who filed court documents stating that Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves indecently assaulted and raped her on January 3, 2008.

In her ruling, Justice Thom said, “There were arguably no grounds for judicial review.”

She did not read her full judgment only her conclusion.

Lawyers representing the police officer had sought leave from the court for a judicial review, after the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Colin Williams, took over and discontinued two private criminal matters brought against Gonsalves.

Under the Constitution of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the DPP has the authority to take over and continue or discontinue any criminal matter.

The lawyers were seeking a reversal of the DPP’s decision and wanted leave from Justice Thom to seek a judicial review of the DPP’s decision.

Emery Robertson, one of the lawyers representing the female officer, informed the court he intends to appeal her decision.

Justice Thom asked that he put his application in writing.

A female police officer who was on duty at the official resident of the Prime Minister, stated in court documents that on January 3 this year; she was sexually assaulted and raped by Gonsalves. 

Gonsalves has denied these allegations and refused calls by the Opposition to “step aside.” .

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