The Virgin Islands Port Authority ("VIPA") filed a forcible entry and detainer action ("FED") to recover possession of its premises from Patrick Joseph ("Joseph"). Upon finding that Joseph raised a bona fide defense to VIPA's FED complaint, the trial court entered an order dismissing the complaint for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. VIPA filed this appeal, asserting that the trial court erred in ruling that it lacked jurisdiction to consider the FED action. For the reasons which follow, we will reverse the trial court's decision and remand for further proceedings.
Supreme Court Of The Virgin Islands