High Court Clears Way for PM Browne’s Defamation Lawsuit to Proceed

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has informed Cabinet that the High Court has dismissed an application seeking to strike out his defamation lawsuit against Martin De Luca and international law firm Boies Schiller Flexner LLP.

According to Cabinet, Master Carlos Cameron Michel ruled on July 21 that the claim should proceed after rejecting arguments that the lawsuit failed to meet procedural requirements or disclose reasonable grounds.

The Court ordered the law firm to pay EC$1,500 in costs by August 12 and directed it to file its defence by September 4 before the matter proceeds to case management.

Prime Minister Browne told Cabinet the ruling allows the substantive issues in the case to be heard on their merits.

He said the decision reinforces the importance of truth, fairness and accountability in public discourse while noting that freedom of expression carries corresponding responsibilities.

Cabinet unanimously endorsed the Prime Minister’s decision to pursue legal action, describing the ruling as an affirmation of the rule of law and the protection of individuals from defamatory statements.