# Barbados Judge Steps Aside From Ex-Judge's Lawsuit

> Barbados judge recuses from retired judge's constitutional lawsuit over conflict of interest.
- Title: Barbados Judge Steps Aside From Ex-Judge's Lawsuit | Shortify
- Summary: Barbados judge recuses from retired judge's constitutional lawsuit over conflict of interest. Barbados judge Shona Griffith steps aside from retired judge Dr…
- Keywords: barbados, judge, sonia richards, attorney general, patterson cheltenham, constitutional lawsuit, recusal, high court, news, world, politics, Steps
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/barbados-judge-recuses-constitutional-lawsuit-2026
- Author: Iolanda Fonseca
- Published: 2026-10-03T18:17:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: barbados, judge, sonia richards, attorney general, patterson cheltenham, constitutional lawsuit, recusal, high court, news, world, politics
## Recusal
Barbados judge Shona Griffith steps aside from retired judge Dr Sonia Richards' constitutional lawsuit citing conflict of interest.
## Who is involved
Dr Sonia Richards, a High Court judge from 2006 to 2022, sues the Attorney General and former chief justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham.
## What happened
Justice Shona Griffith ruled in July that the case should go to trial, but recused herself on 3 October 2026 due to conflict of interest.
## Why recused
Justice Griffith said she had sat on the bench with Dr Richards, creating a conflict of interest that requires recusal.
## July ruling
Justice Griffith struck out four claims as having no reasonable grounds, leaving three defamation claims and constitutional claims active.
## What the lawsuit claims
Dr Richards alleges defamation, negligence, and breaches of constitutional rights after her office lock was changed and name removed.
## When the case continues
Justice Patrick H Wells will hear the case on 29 October 2026 after the re-amended claim was filed on 30 September 2026.
## What the defendants say
Sir Patterson Cheltenham denies the allegations, and Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams says he is aware of the matter.
## Key takeaway

Barbados judge Shona Griffith steps aside from retired judge Dr Sonia Richards' lawsuit against the state and former chief justice, citing conflict of interest.