The Supreme Court has dismissed a legal challenge brought by Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow regarding the use of the color red in the 2025 general election, deeming the case ‘moot’ and filed with ‘unreasonable delay.’ Barrow, alongside co-claimant Alberto August, had contested the Elections and Boundaries Commission’s (EBC) decision to allow candidates aligned with Tracy Panton’s Alliance for Democracy to use the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) signature red. Barrow argued that these candidates were not genuine UDP members and accused the EBC of ‘acting in bad faith.’
Justice Hondora, presiding over the case, ruled that the matter had been ‘overtaken by events’ since the election had concluded without any challenges to the results. The judge emphasized that revisiting the EBC’s decision at this stage ‘serves no useful purpose.’ Barrow had also sought to prevent Panton’s candidates from identifying themselves as UDP members, but he later conceded that this request was no longer relevant.
The court further criticized the delayed handling of the case, noting that while Barrow filed the application on March 3, it remained inactive until July. Justice Hondora stressed that acting ‘promptly’ requires more than just filing an application and leaving it unattended. With Tracy Panton now serving as the Leader of the Opposition, the court found no practical reason to revisit the EBC’s decision.
Barrow and August were represented by attorney Matthew L. Morris, while the EBC was represented by Hector Guerra of Marine Parade Chambers. The ruling effectively closes the chapter on this contentious issue, allowing the political landscape to move forward.
