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CASTRIES, St. Lucia (CMC) – Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire says he plans to take legal action against an opposition activist over allegations he was involved in financial improprieties while serving as a senior Cricket West Indies official.

In a speech to parliament in which he sought to defend his professional and political integrity, Hilaire, who was CEO of the then West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) from 2009 to 2012, said the activist had started accusing local media of was involved in the transaction.

“The most bizarre has been Nancy Charles. She has been everywhere, especially in the last week, saying many things, including Mr Speaker, and playing a recording of Michael Holding (former Wes Indies cricketer) about something that happened in West Indies cricket, a loan that was provided in December 2013.

“Mr Speaker, let me understand… In December 2013, I was not even working at the West Indies Cricket Board. I was the (St. Lucia) High Commissioner in London,” Hilaire said, adding that “some kind of loan that was made in 2013 in which it was alleged that I was involved, live on television on a talk show,”

“And she just keeps going. The usual, joint bill, this and that, Mr. Chairman… I’ve let it go on and on. People from all over the world, fellow ministers, friends, I go on and on.

“Today it stops with Nancy Charles. She said last week: I can’t respond. I can’t even charge her…but Nancy Charles is getting a letter today and tomorrow at the latest where she will appear in court to prove everything she said and provide all her evidence that the things she said are true. ‘

Hilaire said he also had a warning for others, who said there will be war next year ahead of the 2026 general election.

“They’ve declared war, they’re saying all kinds of things, Mr. Chairman, and it’s been going on, they’ve been marching… well, I don’t intend to just continue next year in the same form of a nice , be a loyal member. of the cabinet as a minister.”

“Next year I’m going to be a political fighter too,” he said, adding that his battle will be another “starting with Nancy Charles.

“You will have to come to court… and anyone who can say anything about Ernest Hilaire about corruption will have to stand up and come to court to prove it,” said Hilaire, who said he has also been accused of receiving at least $1 billion under the controversial Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI), under which the government grants citizenship to foreign investors in return for making a substantial investment in St. Lucia’s socio-economic development.