MARIGOT, Saint-Martin:--- Territorial Councilor and former Senator Annick Petrus says Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital has withdrawn defamation proceedings brought against her over a 2023 interview, and that she is seeking reimbursement of legal expenses paid by the Collectivité of Saint-Martin.
In a video statement, Petrus described the withdrawal as vindication of her decision to speak publicly about the hospital. She pledged to remain engaged on issues concerning the institution.
According to Petrus, the proceedings stemmed from an interview she gave on March 23, 2023. She said the hospital filed a complaint on June 21 that year, alleging that her remarks were defamatory.
Petrus credited her lawyer's arguments with challenging the case. She said that, following two postponements requested by the hospital’s lawyer, the opposing side ultimately abandoned the proceedings.
She characterized that decision as evidence that the action against her had been irregular and unjustified. In her view, the withdrawal also amounted to an implicit acknowledgment that her comments were legitimate.
Those conclusions represent Petrus’s interpretation of the withdrawal. The statement provided does not include a court decision establishing that the proceedings were improper or ruling on the substance of the disputed remarks.
Request to Recover Taxpayer-Funded Legal Expenses
Petrus said she has instructed her lawyer to ask the court to reimburse the Collectivité for the legal expenses incurred in her defense.
She explained that, as an elected representative, she benefited from protection fonctionnelle, under which the Collectivité covered her legal defense.
Her request therefore concerns recovering public expenditure, not personal reimbursement.
According to Petrus, the court’s response to that request is expected on December 15.
The video statement does not specify the amount being sought or provide supporting court documents detailing the withdrawal and the outstanding costs application.
“Never Remain Silent”
Petrus closed her message by urging people to speak out when confronted with injustice and reaffirming her commitment to matters affecting Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital.
Her message was clear: the legal proceedings had not deterred her from continuing to raise concerns.
The material provided to SMN News did not include the hospital's reasons for withdrawing the proceedings. Its position on Petrus’s account and her request for reimbursement remains to be established.