Antigua & Barbuda (April 17, 2014) -- The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has learned of the decision of the Privy Council on an issue pertaining to the lawful power of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to instruct the Police not to initiate criminal proceedings. The ABLP has learned that the Privy Council has written that the DPP may “request” but not “order” that proceedings not be instituted by the Police. This was the sole issue before the Privy Council which delivered its judgment in writing today, Wednesday April 16, 2014. The ABLP notes that the decision of the Privy Council today has no bearing on the guilt or innocence of Comrade Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, in a matter pending before the Magistrates Court. The ABLP is also aware that the Honourable Cutie Benjamin, since the start of this ordeal, has made it very clear that he did not breach any area of the criminal law and that he will be vindicated when this matter is fully ventilated. The ABLP accepts this reasonable position and fully supports the long-serving parliamentarian and lawyer whose contribution to the law, to the satisfactory adjudication of countless cases, and to the successful representation of hundreds of clients and constituents place him in a unique position as an advocate and representative for many decades. The ABLP is of the view that the general public will be amazed and surprised when they learn of the political maneuverings which took place after the police officers determined that the lawyer and Notary Public had done nothing which justified pursuing him in a court of law. At any rate, the ABLP is advised by Counsel that the matter is sub judice and that further discussions ought to cease. The ABLP is further guided by Section 39(1)(h) of the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda which speaks to the conditions under which a parliamentarian shall vacate his seat. Nothing done by the Parliamentary Representative applies in this pending case. The ABLP is certain, however, that the elected Member from the City South Constituency will be victorious whenever the UPP delayed and protracted general elections 2014 are held. The ABLP stands with Comrade Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin. For more information concerning the above-mentioned Media Statement of the Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party, please contact: Michael Freeland at [email protected]
Posted on: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 22:18:58 +0000
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