ST. GEORGE’S Grenada: Opposition Leader Tillman Thomas has been granted leave by the High Court in Grenada to apply for Judicial Review of the decision by the sole commissioner Dr. Richard Cheltenham in the commission of inquiry into allegations of wrongdoing by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.

Mr. Thomas made application on the grounds that in rendering his decision, the Commissioner misinterpreted and misapplied Section 18 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, and that in rendering his decision, the Commissioner committed an error of law apparent on the face of the record.

It was also noted in the application that in rendering his decision, the Commissioner fettered or did not exercise his undoubted jurisdiction by failing to take into account relevant matters that he was required to take into account and that the Commissioner’s decision was unreasonable and irrational.

The application for leave which was filed on June 28, 2005 was heard on Friday July 29, 2005 before High Court Judge, Justice Francis Bell.

Submissions for the Leader of the Opposition were made by Attorney at Law Ruggles Ferguson of Ciboney Chambers.

The Judge has ordered that the claim for judicial review be filed within 14 days and has set the hearing of the application for September 20, 2005.

The Opposition Leader is seeking a declaration from the High Court for an order quashing the decision of Dr. Cheltenham dated the 14th day of June 2005, in which he refused to grant intervenor status / standing Mr. Thomas to enable his full participation in the Inquiry, including the opportunity to examine and cross-examine witnesses.

Mr. Thomas is also seeking a Declaration that the he is entitled to such intervenor status /standing so as to enable his full participation in the inquiry, including the opportunity to examine and cross-examine witnesses.

Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
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