Former Central Bank governor Dr Alvin Hilaire has been granted permission to challenge Cabinet’s decision to revoke his appointment in June, which he claims was unlawful and politically motivated.
Hilaire, reappointed in December 2023 to serve until 2026, is seeking reinstatement and $9.8 million in damages for lost income, emotional distress, and breach of constitutional rights. He argues Cabinet’s advice to President Christine Kangaloo breached the Constitution and the Central Bank Act, depriving him of his legitimate expectation to complete his term.
Court filings allege that on June 24, Planning Minister Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh pressured Hilaire to resign, offering a contract buyout. When Hilaire refused and asked for legal advice, he was later served with a revocation notice. The government allegedly wanted to replace him with its own candidate, citing disputes over Central Bank auditing arrangements.
Hilaire maintains he was never accused of misconduct or given a chance to defend himself, calling the dismissal an abuse of power and an attack on his professional reputation. He is asking the court to quash the Cabinet’s decision, declare it unconstitutional, and award compensation.
The defendants are the Cabinet and the Attorney General. Hilaire is represented by Stuart Young, SC, Anthony Bullock, and Imran Ali.
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