On Tuesday 2nd May 2023 Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet was suspended from the House of Assembly until he issued an apology and retract his statements made against Richard Fredrick and the Government.
The Leader appeared on Timothy Poleon News Spin, where he disclosed his lawyers are in the process of examining the evidence of what transpired and the decision on whether the case will be handled in court will be made very soon.
“My lawyers are clearly examining the evidence, what transpired and will be making the determination very soon as to whether we will take this matter to court.” he said when questioned by the host as to what would be his next move.
Chastanet says in the event that he does win the case, the speaker Claudius Francis is expected to resign as he says the speaker has been biased, subjective and irresponsible in how he handled this situation as opposed to their previous legal case which he says are very similar.
Chastanet previously successfully filed an injunction in the recently settled privileges committee saga. On January 31st, 2023 the court ruled in favor of Chastanet.
The ruling confirmed Chastanet’s position, affirming that House Speaker Claudius Francis has no power to refer to the Committee of Privileges any complaint made by a member of the House of Assembly against another member in respect of privileges or contempt.
“I think for sure the speaker of the house will have to resign. I think that it was very clear in my mind and a lot of other persons minds that he was extremely biased and subjective and irresponsible in how he handled the privileges case. He cost the state $150,000 of which he’s made no apology and my understanding is that the state hasn’t even paid me the $75,000 I’m owed on this particular situation. So after being burned the first time you would expect him to be wiser the second time around.” he said.
He says he has no intentions of retracting his statements as they are all factual.
“How do you withdraw a statement that in large part is factually correct?” he questioned.
The leader says he can justifiably stand by what he said and can be held accountable.
Photo: Media Stock
