Court Grants Interim Injunction Halting Leeward Islands Cricket Board Elections

Court Halts Leeward Islands Cricket Board Elections Pending Legal Challenge

The High Court of Justice in Antigua and Barbuda has issued an interim injunction preventing the Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) from holding its annual general meeting and elections scheduled for July 11, pending the hearing of a legal challenge brought by the Anguilla Cricket Association and Nevis Cricket Association President Carlisle Powell. 

Justice Jan Drysdale granted the order on July 10 after determining there was a serious issue to be tried and that damages would not be an adequate remedy if the elections proceeded before the dispute could be heard. The court ruled that the status quo should be preserved until an inter partes hearing. 

The claim alleges that the LICB improperly excluded presidential candidate Kieron Powell and vice-presidential candidate Dr. Timothy Hodge from the list of nominees despite nominations submitted by member associations. According to Carlisle Powell’s affidavit, the nomination process was compromised after correspondence was allegedly sent to an outdated email account belonging to the Anguilla Cricket Association, resulting in delays in receiving nomination documents. 

The applicants further contend that Dr. Hodge’s nomination was rejected because of the alleged late submission of a letter of acceptance, despite there being no prior indication that such a separate document was required. They also claim neither candidate received notification of any deficiencies in their nominations or an opportunity to correct them before the final list of nominees was circulated on July 9. 

The affidavit also challenges the eligibility of incumbent president Enoch Lewis, arguing that he has served for approximately 12 years, exceeding the constitutional limit of two consecutive terms prescribed by the LICB constitution. 

In its application, the claimants argued that allowing the elections to proceed would irreparably damage the democratic legitimacy of the board and undermine confidence in its governance. They sought an injunction postponing the elections until the nomination process could be reviewed or, alternatively, orders directing that Kieron Powell and Dr. Hodge be treated as duly nominated candidates and included on the ballot. 

Justice Drysdale’s order restrains the LICB, its officers and agents from holding or giving effect to the annual general meeting and elections until further order of the court. The respondents have until July 15 to file an affidavit in response, while the applicants may reply by July 16. Skeleton arguments are due by July 20, with an inter partes hearing scheduled for July 22 at 11 a.m. 

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