The High Court of Kingstown has commenced proceedings in a pivotal constitutional case that challenges the parliamentary eligibility of Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and Foreign Affairs Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble. The litigation, initiated by Unity Labour Party (ULP) representatives Carlos Williams and Luke Browne, centers on whether the officials’ dual Vincentian-Canadian citizenship violates constitutional mandates prohibiting allegiance to foreign powers.
Legal arguments presented before Justice Gertel Thom focus on Section 26 of the Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which bars individuals acknowledging foreign allegiance from holding elected office. Both officials secured their parliamentary positions in the November 2025 general elections—Friday representing East Kingstown and Bramble the Northern Grenadines—before these citizenship revelations emerged.
Following Thursday’s case management hearing, Prime Minister Friday offered an optimistic but non-committal assessment, noting the ‘wonderful day’ while deferring legal inquiries to his counsel. The government’s lead attorney, Anand Ramlogan S.C. of Trinidad and Tobago, characterized the proceedings as ‘an interesting, if not amusing experience,’ expressing confidence in their defense based on the elected officials’ ‘overwhelming mandate’ from voters.
The legal teams represent an international collaboration, with petitioners represented by Stewart Richard Young S.C., Al Elliott, and Carlos James, while the respondents’ defense includes counsel from Trinidad and Tobago and England.
The court has established an extensive litigation timeline requiring respondent disclosure of election declarations by March 12, 2026, followed by petitioner evidence submission by March 27. Respondents must file replies by May 11, with another management hearing scheduled for May 19. The substantive trial will occur over three consecutive days from July 28-30, 2026.
This judicial review carries significant constitutional implications, potentially validating the election outcomes or establishing precedent regarding dual citizenship as disqualifying allegiance under Vincentian law.