Hilaire “Not Surprised” As Martinez Withdraws Civil Suit Against Top CIP Officials

Despite promising “explosive” evidence of corruption, fraud and money laundering in CIP regimes in the region, Philippe Martinez and MSR Media voluntarily withdrew their US-based lawsuit on Thursday.

Tourism and Investment Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire, who was a person of interest in the lawsuit, explains that Martinez’s withdrawal came as no surprise as the French expat had no case to begin with. “I am really not surprised that Martinez took the course of action to withdraw his claims, which were all fabricated, baseless and malicious,” said Hilaire to St. Lucia Times.

While Hilaire reiterates that Martinez’s allegations were false and that the CIP Unit operates above board, he condemns the Opposition United Workers’ Party (UWP) for buying into Martinez’s claims. “I cautioned the Leader of the Opposition that his actions were only serving to hurt the reputation of Saint Lucia but he showed that he did not care about the livelihood of the people and indeed the reputation of Saint Lucia,” Hilaire said.

Hilaire adds that he is doubtful that Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet and the UWP will cease peddling claims of corruption within the CIP. “Whilst Martinez has accepted defeat in this attempt, don’t be surprised that Allen Chastanet and the UWP will find a way to continue the lies and slander and to destroy the progress of Saint Lucia.”

The scope of the lawsuit involved top government and CIP officials in Saint Kitts-Nevis and Saint Lucia, including the head of Saint Lucia’s CIP, McClaude Emmanuel. Martinez had also appeared on local media outlets on numerous occasions threatening to expose the government’s illegal dealings.

However, a federal court notice of discontinuance was filed today by MSR Media and Martinez’s attorneys. “Pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure…Plaintiffs MSR Media SKN Ltd., MSR Hotels & Co. Ltd., MSR Media International LLC, and Philippe Martinez hereby give notice that the above captioned action is voluntarily dismissed without prejudice,” explained the document.

Martinez’s attorney also noted that, “None of the Defendants has filed an answer or motion for summary judgment.”

The controversial lawsuit was followed with much anticipation by citizens who were eager to learn of any malfeasance on the government’s part, while the Pierre Administration remained adamant in denying of Martinez’s claims.