The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal has delivered its final judgment

Final Judgment Delivered in Chastanet Appeal Over Withdrawal of Customs Case Against Dr. Ernest Hilaire Wednesday, October 16, 2025

 In the high-profile case Allen M. Chastanet v. Comptroller of Customs & Paul Noel (SLUHCVAP2023/0025)—an appeal brought by former Saint Lucian Prime Minister Mr. Allen Chastanet challenging the withdrawal of customs violation proceedings against Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire. The judgment, handed down earlier this year, was dismissive of the appeal, with the court finding no legal or procedural fault in the Comptroller’s decision to discontinue the matter. 

    Background to the Case 

 The dispute arose from a long-standing customs issue involving the importation of a Land Rover Discovery vehicle by Dr. Hilaire. The Comptroller of Customs had initially instituted proceedings over alleged documentation irregularities. However, the case was later withdrawn, prompting Mr. Chastanet—then Leader of the Opposition—to challenge that decision in court. He argued that the withdrawal was unlawful, politically motivated, and amounted to abuse of public authority.

    Court of Appeal’s Findings

 In its detailed ruling, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the High Court, agreeing that: 

 1. Mr. Chastanet did not meet the legal threshold required for judicial review of the Comptroller’s decision. 

 2. The Comptroller of Customs has an implied power under the Customs (Control and Management) Act to withdraw or discontinue proceedings, provided it is done within constitutional limits and with appropriate oversight. 

 3. There was no evidence of political interference or improper motive that would justify judicial intervention. 

 4. The Court also found no abuse of process in how the withdrawal was handled. 

While the appeal was dismissed on all major grounds, the Court set aside the original order for costs—deciding instead that no costs would be awarded to either side.

    Judgment Delivery

 The formal judgment delivery—file number LCCV2025/002—can be viewed on the official ECCB YouTube Channel via this link: 

 The Court’s ruling effectively brings closure to the long-running saga surrounding Dr. Hilaire’s Land Rover importation, marking another chapter in Saint Lucia’s evolving legal and political landscape.

    Final Thoughts 

 For many observers, this judgment reaffirms a key legal principle: that decisions made by public officials within their lawful discretion—even if politically charged—must be respected unless clear illegality, irrationality, or procedural unfairness is proven. The case may have generated heated debate across the island, but the Court’s message was clear: law, not politics, must guide the process.