Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne says the government agreed to refund about EC$27,000 paid by attorney Vere Bird III on an electric vehicle, but he intends to use the money to recover legal costs owed by Bird.

Browne said Bird was initially granted a 25% discretionary concession because his application did not identify the imported vehicle as electric. Qualifying electric vehicles are eligible for full relief on applicable duties, taxes and levies.

After the vehicle was confirmed as electric and Bird began legal proceedings, Browne said he instructed the Ministry of Legal Affairs not to oppose the claim and to refund the amount paid.

However, he said Bird owes him legal costs following unsuccessful defamation proceedings in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Browne said he has instructed attorney Jared Hewlett to have the costs assessed and seek a garnishee order against the EC$27,000 refund.

He said the move is aimed at recovering the money Bird was ordered to pay following the defamation case.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Browne Orders Refund In Vere Bird III Vehicle Case Then Seeks Court Costs.