By Latrishka Thomas
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith is no longer a defendant in the case challenging his independent status in the Lower House of Parliament.
The case was partially dismissed, with the claim against him struck out by Justice Jan Drysdale while proceedings against the Attorney General on the same issue remain active.
The dispute originated from Smith’s departure from the United Progressive Party (UPP) in July, after which he continued to serve in the Cabinet as an independent representative for All Saints West.
As a result, some of his constituents filed a lawsuit against him and the Attorney General.
Attorney David Dorsett, representing Smith, successfully argued that the constituents’ claim was fundamentally flawed for failing to specify the grounds of their challenge.
Justice Drysdale agreed, striking out the case against Smith and awarding him $1,500 in costs.
However, the case against the Attorney General remains unresolved.
Attorney Sherri-Ann Bradshaw who represented one of the applicants, indicated her intention to file an objection to the Attorney General’s request to have the claim against him also struck out.
The judge is scheduled to rule on the Attorney General’s challenge on February 14, 2025.
