The High Court of Justice in Antigua and Barbuda has issued an interim injunction blocking the Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) from holding its annual general meeting and elections, which had been scheduled for July 11. According to Antigua News Room, the order follows a legal challenge brought by the Anguilla Cricket Association and Nevis Cricket Association President Carlisle Powell.
Justice Jan Drysdale granted the injunction on July 10, determining that a serious issue existed to be tried and that damages would not constitute an adequate remedy if the elections proceeded before the dispute could be heard. The court ordered that the status quo be preserved until an inter partes hearing takes place.
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 having been submitted by member associations. Carlisle Powell's affidavit states that the nomination process was compromised after correspondence was allegedly sent to an outdated email account belonging to the Anguilla Cricket Association, causing delays in the receipt of nomination documents.
The applicants further contend that Dr. Hodge's nomination was rejected on the basis of an allegedly late submission of a letter of acceptance, despite no prior indication that such a document was separately required. They also argue that neither candidate received notification of any deficiencies in their nominations, nor an opportunity to address them, before the final list of nominees was circulated on July 9.
The affidavit additionally challenges the eligibility of incumbent president Enoch Lewis, asserting that he has served approximately 12 years — a tenure the applicants argue exceeds the constitutional limit of two consecutive terms prescribed by the LICB constitution.
In their application, the claimants argued that allowing the elections to proceed would irreparably damage the democratic legitimacy of the board and undermine public confidence in its governance. They sought an injunction postponing the elections pending a review of the nomination process, or alternatively, orders directing that Kieron Powell and Dr. Hodge be treated as duly nominated and included on the ballot.
Justice Drysdale's order restrains the LICB, its officers, and its 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, with the applicants permitted to reply by July 16. Skeleton arguments are due by July 20, and an inter partes hearing has been scheduled for July 22 at 11 a.m.
