Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2021)

467.   Detention of goods or documents to property not over $500 value

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    (1)   On a complaint made by any person claiming to be entitled to any property or possession of any goods or chattels which are detained by any other person, the value of which does not exceed $500, or which is not a document of title or any or instrument relating to such property the value of which exceeds $500, it is lawful for a magistrate to inquire into the title to the property or to the right of possession of the goods or chattels.

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    (2)   If upon a demand for such goods or chattels made by the complainant it appears to the magistrate—

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      (a)     that such goods or chattels have been detained without just cause by the person against whom the complaint has been made; or

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      (b)     that the person detaining such goods or chattels has a lien on, or a right to detain, the goods or chattels by way of security for the payment of money, or the performance of any act, by the owner,

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    the magistrate may order such goods or chattels to be delivered to the owner or to the person entitled to the possession of such goods or chattels either absolutely or upon tender of such amount as may appear to the magistrate to be due from the owner or the person entitled to the possession of such goods or chattels, or upon the performance, or upon the tender and refusal of the performance, of the act for the performance, of which such goods or chattels may have been detained as security, or if such act cannot be performed, then upon tender of compensation for non-performance.

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    (3)   A person who refuses or neglects to deliver up such goods or chattels in compliance with such order shall pay as compensation to the aggrieved person the full value of such goods or chattels.

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    (4)   No order shall bar the person from recovering the goods or chattels so delivered by legal action from the person to whose possession such goods or chattels come by virtue of such order, provided the action is commenced within 6 months after the order has been made.