SOURCE: REAL NEWS – While the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Appeal has rejected an emergency injunction that would have prevented the sale of the Alfa Nero superyacht this morning, June 16, the Court will be considering an application for leave to appeal.
In addition, consideration might be given, alternatively, for leave to apply for judicial review on other grounds.
Therefore, the Court adjourned the matter, which will be heard on a date to be fixed by the Chief Registrar.
Andrew O’Kola, the attorney representing the parties challenging the Government’s ownership of the vessel, reportedly was notified of the Appeal Court’s decision by way of a notice received at 10:11 a.m.
Friday morning. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Registrar Danielia Chambers says the formal order will be circulated to all parties.
However, in the interest of time, it was dealt with by quick notice, since the sale of the yacht was set for 10 a.m. at the Treasury Department.
The application filed by O’Kola on behalf of Flying Dutchman Overseas Limited, et al, against the Antigua Port Authority, et al was determined by the Court on paper.There are reports of a second, pending application for an injunction.
However, so far, those reports have not been confirmed nor elaborated upon.
In the meantime, some residents are expressing the opinion that selling the yacht before the pending court cases are resolved could have a disastrous outcome.
The bid on the disputed vessel has been won by an American, Eric Schmidt, reportedly a former chief executive officer of Google and a software engineer.
He offered US$67.6 million for the yacht, with the second-highest bid coming in at US$66 million.
Port Manager Darwin Telemaque is hoping that, once the Government receives payment within seven days, the new owner will remove the vessel from Falmouth Harbour as soon as is practical.
Several residents tell REAL News they are tired of this matter and are also fearful of retaliatory action.
Accordingly, for safety sake, they want the vessel gone from this country in the shortest possible time.
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