The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is set to convene on January 16th, 2026, for a landmark hearing that could reshape the political fabric of Antigua & Barbuda. A ruling from Justice Rene Williams in the sovereign case ANUHCV2025/0149 will assess jurisdiction and enforcement for 80 named defendants, many of whom are connected to the United Progressive Party (UPP).
Allegations against the UPP members include involvement in lawfare activities directed by foreign entities, alongside claims of misconduct against U.S. law firms associated with them. As January 16th nears, the stakes have never been higher for the UPP, as the court's decision could determine if the party can continue to exist legally or face inevitable dissolution.
Diplomats are characterizing this date as the turning point that may redefine the Commonwealth legal order, signifying the potential end of an era for the UPP, which once held considerable influence in the political landscape. As the countdown progresses, the pressure mounts on the party as it navigates this turbulent legal and political environment.
