A significant controversy has emerged involving the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), as a recent court filing accuses its leadership of deliberately providing false information to the High Court. This alleged misinformation reportedly led to what the plaintiff describes as an erroneous and unjust decision. The case, brought forward by Captain Javonson Willock, alleges misconduct in public office against Brigadier General Telbert Benjamin and Lieutenant Colonel Dalton Graham. The trial is set to commence on October 8, 2025, and tensions have escalated following revelations that critical information presented to the Court may have been misleading. Captain Willock sought permission to cross-examine Lieutenant Colonel Alando Michael and Sergeant Manyakie Edwards, key witnesses for the defense. During a recent hearing, Willock argued that Sergeant Edwards’ testimony was crucial in demonstrating the alleged malice and misconduct of the defendants. The defense opposed the application, claiming that Sergeant Edwards was in China, where time-zone differences and communication challenges made remote testimony impractical. Acting on this information, the Court denied Willock’s request and ordered him to pay $750 in costs to the defendants for his late application. However, Willock has since filed new evidence suggesting that Edwards is not in China but in the United States, where time-zone differences and communication barriers are minimal. This revelation raises serious questions about the integrity of the defense’s submissions to the Court and the fairness of the judicial process. The allegation that the ABDF may have misled a sitting High Court judge strikes at the heart of public confidence in state institutions. If senior members of the Defence Force are found to have knowingly misrepresented facts to the judiciary, it could erode trust in the justice system and the armed forces. The High Court is now expected to consider Captain Willock’s fresh application to cross-examine Sergeant Edwards in light of the new evidence. Willock continues to represent himself, while the defendants are represented by Mrs. Joy Dublin-Baptiste, Ms. Rose-Ann Kim, and Ms. Chandera Codrinton.
ABDF Accused of Misleading High Court Judge into Erroneous Decision
