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State Reaches Settlement With Former Central Bank Governor Alvin Hilaire, Avoiding High Court Trial The State has reached a settlement with former Central Bank Governor Dr Alvin Hilaire, bringing an end to his constitutional lawsuit against the Cabinet and the Attorney General before the matter could proceed to trial. According to a report by Guardian Media on Monday, November 2, 2026, the agreement was reached ahead of scheduled proceedings at the Port-of-Spain High Court before Justice Ramsumir Hinds. The settlement follows months of legal proceedings arising from the Government's decision to terminate Hilaire's appointment in June 2025. Hilaire had challenged the Cabinet's June 24, 2025 decision to advise the President to revoke his appointment as Governor of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and replace him with former Finance Minister Larry Howai. He also sought compensation for alleged breaches of his constitutional rights. In earlier court proceedings, Hilaire had claimed approximately TT$9.8 million in compensation, including salary and benefits he would have received had his appointment continued until the scheduled expiration of his contract in December 2026. His claim also included damages for emotional distress and alleged constitutional violations. The Government had maintained that his removal was connected to alleged breaches of the Central Bank Act, including official misconduct and failure to properly discharge his duties. Hilaire disputed the circumstances surrounding his dismissal and pursued legal action challenging the decision. Monday's trial was expected to involve the cross-examination of Hilaire and Minister Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh. However, according to Guardian Media, the State approached Hilaire with a settlement offer before the trial began. Following discussions between the parties, an agreement was reached on terms reportedly favourable to the former Governor. The terms were endorsed on counsel's brief. Although Hilaire had originally pursued approximately TT$9.8 million, the precise amount agreed upon in the settlement has not been publicly disclosed. Hilaire was represented by Senior Counsel Stuart Young, Anthony Bullock and Imran Ali. The State's legal team included Tom Richards, KC, Gerald Ramdeen, Krysta Jalim, Radha Sookdeo and Laura-Lee Hackshaw. The settlement resolves the dispute without a full trial or a final judicial determination of the constitutional claims. It also brings renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding the removal of senior public officials and the financial implications of resolving disputes involving government appointments.
State Reaches Settlement With Former Central Bank Governor Alvin Hilaire, Avoiding High Court Trial
The State has reached a settlement with former Central Bank Governor Dr Alvin Hilaire, bringing an end to his constitutional lawsuit against the Cabinet and the Attorney General before the matter could proceed to trial.
According to a report by Guardian Media on Monday, November 2, 2026, the agreement was reached ahead of scheduled proceedings at the Port-of-Spain High Court before Justice Ramsumir Hinds.
The settlement follows months of legal proceedings arising from the Government’s decision to terminate Hilaire’s appointment in June 2025.
Hilaire had challenged the Cabinet’s June 24, 2025 decision to advise the President to revoke his appointment as Governor of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and replace him with former Finance Minister Larry Howai.
He also sought compensation for alleged breaches of his constitutional rights.
In earlier court proceedings, Hilaire had claimed approximately TT$9.8 million in compensation, including salary and benefits he would have received had his appointment continued until the scheduled expiration of his contract in December 2026.
His claim also included damages for emotional distress and alleged constitutional violations.
The Government had maintained that his removal was connected to alleged breaches of the Central Bank Act, including official misconduct and failure to properly discharge his duties.
Hilaire disputed the circumstances surrounding his dismissal and pursued legal action challenging the decision.
Monday’s trial was expected to involve the cross-examination of Hilaire and Minister Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh.
However, according to Guardian Media, the State approached Hilaire with a settlement offer before the trial began.
Following discussions between the parties, an agreement was reached on terms reportedly favourable to the former Governor.
The terms were endorsed on counsel’s brief.
Although Hilaire had originally pursued approximately TT$9.8 million, the precise amount agreed upon in the settlement has not been publicly disclosed.
Hilaire was represented by Senior Counsel Stuart Young, Anthony Bullock and Imran Ali.
The State’s legal team included Tom Richards, KC, Gerald Ramdeen, Krysta Jalim, Radha Sookdeo and Laura-Lee Hackshaw.
The settlement resolves the dispute without a full trial or a final judicial determination of the constitutional claims.
It also brings renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding the removal of senior public officials and the financial implications of resolving disputes involving government appointments.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
