Following what is widely considered a defeat in the High Court for a “lack of evidence”, Chastanet intends to appeal the ruling in the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. After the completion of the accession process on August 4th, 2023, Saint Lucia’s final appellate court is the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Chastanet has long expressed his discomfort with the CCJ, claiming political biases may guide the judges’ decisions. Similarly, he questioned the ruling of the High Court in this case.

“The person involved is a senior politician with a lot of influence within this administration and we must all be satisfied that he was not treated differently from any ordinary citizen,” Chastanet said in a press conference on Tuesday, August 22nd. The matter was resolved through mediation, which is a process the Court usually orders parties to go through. The aim is to have two or more parties settle differences themselves, while the Courts hear other matters. It saves time and money for all those involved.

“The United Workers Party will continue to pursue this matter until all legal means have been exhausted. We believe it is critical that all public officers are held accountable to their pledge to uphold the laws of St Lucia and protect the best interest of the public without favour. No officer should be allowed to simply use his/her discretion without being transparent and accountable,” Chastanet said, while also disclosing that he has a current matter before the Courts investigating the disappearance of funds at the then Soufriere Town Council while he was a candidate for the Soufriere/Fond St. Jacques seat and Minister for Tourism. Chastanet made light of the fact that “it’s $2,ooo…and there’s difficulty finding witnesses because it took place all the way in 2010”.

This ruling comes against the backdrop of a vacancy advertised for suitable candidates for the post of Special Prosecutor. This Special Prosecutor will be responsible for investigating the alleged corrupt actions of public servants.