Court rules against Arnhim Eustace in defamation case

High Court judges of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, on Friday, November 25, struck out the defence of New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Arnhim Eustace, in a defamation case brought against him by this country’s Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.{{more}}

The lawsuit stems from radio ads aired earlier this year on local radio stations Hot 97.1 and Nice Radio, which made allegations about money-laundering and rape in relation to the Prime Minister.

When contacted, Grahame Bollers, lawyer for the Prime Minister, noted that Eustace did not file a defence in the required time-frame of 28 days after being served. He added that Eustace had to apply to the Master for relief from sanctions.

“We feel the ruling on the grounds given by Eustace why he could not file his defence, that he was researching cases from United States of America (USA), Canada, New Zealand, Britain and Australia, was not a valid reason for giving him relief from sanctions and the Court of Appeal agreed with us,” Bollers explained.

Bollers also said that the effect of the order of the court is for judgement and damages to be entered by Dr Gonsalves.

The court also ordered that Eustace pay Prime Minister Gonsalves’ legal costs.