Jurisdiction at Stake: Critical Court Proceedings in Antigua
January 16, 2026 | Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court - 9:00 AM AGT
Justice Rene Williams presiding
Justice Williams acknowledged the case and declined to dismiss the proceedings despite the existence of parallel international actions. Key issues discussed during the hearing included jurisdictional authority and the implications of the Attorney General's submissions, challenging the court's ability to hear the case.
Mr. David presented his recent filings, which included service receipts and previously unacknowledged documents asserting the courtroom's jurisdiction. In contrast, the Attorney General contended that jurisdiction was lacking due to the residency of most defendants outside Antigua and the unclear relation between claims and Antiguan law.
Justice Williams confirmed her willingness to consider Mr. David's claims as true for the purpose of understanding the jurisdiction argument, noting that much of the alleged harm pointed back to Mr. David's locale rather than Antigua itself. This raised concerns over potential conflicting rulings among jurisdictions in California and the UK.
The hearing was further complicated by a letter from Howard Kennedy LLP, a UK law firm, which rejected the court's jurisdiction and indicated a lack of participation in the proceedings. Mr. David countered their non-participation with allegations of contempt.
As the proceedings concluded, Justice Williams assured that all materials would be deliberated carefully, with an official ruling on jurisdiction expected early the following month.
