Gov Reaches – By Jeressa Jeremy
Gov Reaches Amicable Settlement
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has officially resolved one of the nation’s longest-running legal disputes, announcing that it has reached an amicable settlement with former public servant Elloy de Freitas. The agreement brings a final conclusion to a matter that has remained active in the legal system for nearly 30 years.
The case, known as De Freitas versus the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Lands, and Housing, dates back to 1990.
De Freitas, then an extension officer within the ministry, was at the center of a fundamental rights dispute after he participatied in peaceful demonstrations.
Those protests were focused on allegations of government corruption following a national commission of inquiry.
The move to settle marks a shift toward closing historical legal gaps that have lingered through various administrations.
Director of Communications Maurice Merchant explained that the executive decision was driven by a need to provide closure to the individual involved, while upholding the integrity of the nation’s legal standards.
“The Gaston Browne administration has confirmed that in the interest of justice, reconciliation, and the protection of fundamental human rights, the government has agreed to bring the matter to a close through an amicable settlement,” Merchant stated.
The settlement marks the end of decades of back-and-forth negotiations and litigation.
While the specific financial details of the agreement were not fully disclosed, the Director of Communications confirmed that the settlement includes the payment of agreed costs, effectively resolving all outstanding issues between the two parties.
Cabinet members expressed satisfaction with the resolution, emphasizing that ending the litigation serves as a testament to the government’s respect for fair treatment and the legal process.
