Caribbean Court Of Justice Rules Against Chastanet In Long-Running Hilaire Customs Dispute

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has rejected an appeal filed by Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet concerning the withdrawal of customs charges against Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire. This judgment, issued on October 15, upholds prior determinations made by Saint Lucia’s High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had previously dismissed Chastanet’s challenge.The case originated in 2020 when the Comptroller of Customs accused Hilaire under the Customs (Control and Management) Act related to a Land Rover Discovery vehicle imported after his tenure as Saint Lucia’s High Commissioner in London. In 2021, the new Comptroller of Customs, Sharman Emmanuel, sought permission from the Magistrates' Court to withdraw the charges, a request that was granted, effectively concluding the matter.Chastanet’s subsequent appeal contended that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had assumed control, but the CCJ found no formal evidence supporting that assertion, stating the magistrate’s approval of withdrawal superseded any administrative actions by the Comptroller. Thus, the court deemed Chastanet's request for judicial review to be flawed, confirming the lawful withdrawal of the charges against Hilaire.