The High Court in Kingstown, St Vincent commenced a landmark legal proceeding on Tuesday, July 28, to determine the eligibility of Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and East Kingstown MP Fitzgerald Bramble to serve in the House of Assembly.
The case stems from petitions filed by Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidates Carlos Williams and Luke Browne following the November 2025 general election. The petitioners allege that both Dr. Friday and Mr. Bramble hold Canadian citizenship, which they argue disqualifies them under Section 26 of the Constitution. This specific section bars individuals who owe allegiance to a foreign state from being elected to Parliament.
During the first day of the hearing, the petitioners began presenting their evidence, which included testimony from approximately five witnesses. These witnesses were subsequently cross-examined by the respondents’ legal team.
Lead counsel for the petitioners, former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Stuart Young, expressed satisfaction with the evidence presented by his side. Meanwhile, lead counsel for the respondents, Anand Ramlogan, commended both Prime Minister Friday and MP Bramble for their presence throughout the entire day’s proceedings.
Attorneys for the respondents emphasized that the Prime Minister has never kept his dual citizenship a secret and argued that the population voted for him with full knowledge of his background. They characterized the legal challenge as an interaction between “the wheels of justice and democracy,” asserting confidence that Dr. Friday will be vindicated and that the “overwhelming mandate” given by the voters will be respected.
The defense further highlighted the Prime Minister’s respect for the court, noting that he cleared his schedule to attend the session personally in the interest of a quick resolution for the citizens.
The trial, described by legal representatives as an “exhausting and intense process,” is scheduled to resume tomorrow. The upcoming sessions are expected to feature testimony from expert witnesses as the court continues its deliberation on this momentous constitutional matter.
Counsel for the respondents stated they remain confident that Justice Thom will deliver a fair ruling as the law takes its course.
