In a landmark ruling on October 15, 2025, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) dismissed an appeal filed by former Saint Lucian Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, marking the culmination of a contentious legal battle. The appeal sought to challenge the discontinuation of criminal proceedings against Saint Lucia’s current Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, over allegations dating back to 2020. The case centered on claims that Dr. Hilaire failed to present a commercial invoice for a vehicle imported during his tenure as High Commissioner in London. Following a change in government and mediation efforts, the Saint Lucian Customs Comptroller opted to halt the prosecution, a decision later approved by a Magistrate. Chastanet contested this move, arguing that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had assumed control of the case by January 2021 and that only the DPP had the constitutional authority to discontinue proceedings. He further alleged that the decision was politically motivated and an abuse of power. However, both the High Court and the Court of Appeal rejected his judicial review application, a stance upheld by the CCJ. The CCJ, led by Mr. Justice Eboe-Osuji and supported by President Anderson and Justices Rajnauth-Lee, Barrow, and Ononaiwu, ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the DPP had taken over the case. The Court emphasized that the DPP had never claimed responsibility, and the Magistrate’s approval of the withdrawal rendered it a judicial act, immune to challenge. Justice Barrow highlighted inconsistencies in Chastanet’s arguments, noting the illogicality of seeking to reinstate a case he claimed the Comptroller had no authority to withdraw. The appeal was dismissed without costs, with Chastanet represented by a team including Mr. Garth Patterson KC and the respondents by Mr. Anthony Astaphan KC and Mr. Seryozha Cenac.
CCJ dismisses former St Lucia PM Allen Chastanet’s appeal in case against sitting Deputy PM, Dr Ernest Hilaire
