Recent Arrests and Charges Rock St. Kitts and Nevis’ Legal Fraternity

Attorneys and a Crown Counsel Charged with Serious Offences

The legal fraternity in St. Kitts and Nevis has been rocked by a recent wave of arrests and criminal charges against prominent attorneys, raising concerns about the ethical standards within the profession. The St. Kitts-Nevis Bar Association has issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, while emphasizing the importance of due process.

On 21st February 2025, Vaughan Henderson, an attorney-at-law of Saddler’s Village, and Andre Williams, also known as Andre Mills, of Newton Ground, were both arrested and charged for offences including Perverting the Course of Justice and Money Laundering. Henderson faces six charges of Money Laundering and two charges of Perverting the Course of Justice, while Williams is charged with four counts of Money Laundering and two counts of Perverting the Course of Justice. The arrests occurred at the White Collar Crime Unit’s office in Basseterre.

Three More Attorneys Charged

Three days earlier, on 18th February 2025, Craig Tuckett, a practising lawyer of Bird Rock, St. Kitts, was arrested and charged with three counts of Perverting the Course of Justice. The alleged offences took place between 10th and 30th June 2024, at Rosemary Lane, Basseterre.

Bar Association Responds

In a statement, Kurlyn D. V. Merchant, President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Bar Association, said, “We take these matters with the utmost seriousness. While all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the legal process must be allowed to unfold with fairness and efficiency. We encourage the public to maintain trust in the judicial system and avoid undue speculation.”

Crown Counsel Prosecutor Charged

Adding to the legal turmoil, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) confirmed in January that Crown Counsel prosecutor Ms. Shantrice Dorset had been charged in connection with the murder of Mr. Akeem Archibald. The charges against Ms. Dorset include Accessory After the Fact to Murder, Attempting to Pervert the Course of Justice, Misconduct in Public Office, and Corruption. She has been denied bail and remains in custody.

Premier’s Concern

Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley, himself a lawyer, expressed deep concern over the arrests of multiple members of the Bar. “Whilst everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, I am wondering about the current ethical underpinnings of this once noble profession,” he said. “Being a lawyer is not just about passing exams; it is about maintaining the highest ethical standards. I urge the Bar Association to thoroughly examine these incidents and take necessary actions to restore public confidence.”

Conclusion

As these cases unfold, the public is being urged to respect the judicial process and avoid sharing unverified information that could hinder justice or lead to legal repercussions. The St. Kitts-Nevis Bar Association has pledged to uphold the highest standards of legal practice and ethics, monitoring developments closely and acting within its regulatory framework to maintain the profession’s integrity.

FAQs

What is the current situation in the St. Kitts and Nevis legal fraternity? The legal fraternity in St. Kitts and Nevis has been rocked by a recent wave of arrests and criminal charges against prominent attorneys, raising concerns about the ethical standards within the profession.
Who are the individuals charged? Vaughan Henderson, an attorney-at-law of Saddler’s Village, and Andre Williams, also known as Andre Mills, of Newton Ground, have been charged for offences including Perverting the Course of Justice and Money Laundering. Craig Tuckett, a practising lawyer of Bird Rock, St. Kitts, has been charged with three counts of Perverting the Course of Justice. Crown Counsel prosecutor Ms. Shantrice Dorset has been charged in connection with the murder of Mr. Akeem Archibald.
What is the St. Kitts-Nevis Bar Association’s response? The St. Kitts-Nevis Bar Association has issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, while emphasizing the importance of due process. President Kurlyn D. V. Merchant has urged the public to maintain trust in the judicial system and avoid undue speculation.
What is the Premier’s concern? Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley has expressed concern over the arrests of multiple members of the Bar, urging the Bar Association to thoroughly examine these incidents and take necessary actions to restore public confidence.
What is the current advice for the public? The public is being urged to respect the judicial process and avoid sharing unverified information that could hinder justice or lead to legal repercussions.