Category Archives: Court

UNC granted leave to file petition against EBC

Trinidad Guardian
September 19, 2015 – guardian.co.tt

PNM vs UNCThe United National Congress (UNC) has crossed the first hurdle in its challenge of the Elections and Boundaries Commission’s decision to extend last Monday’s general election voting by one hour due to rainy weather.

Lawyers representing the UNC, which lost the election to the PNM 23-18, last night received leave to pursue their petitions from High Court Judge Mira Dean-Armour after an emergency hearing in the Port-of-Spain High Court which ended after 7 pm.
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It could cut both ways for UNC or PNM

By AZARD ALI
September 15, 2015 – newsday.co.tt

PNM vs UNCA British-based attorney yesterday, said the Opposition United National Congress’ (UNC) election petition could cut both ways, as the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) could claim it also lost votes due to the extension of voting time in the election held two Mondays ago.

Attorney Anand Beharrylal, who specialises in constituional law, however supported the UNC’s petition on the basis that the courts need to lay down the law on the powers of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) relating to extending the time for voting, without consulting political parties.
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7-year-olds can be charged

By Alexander Bruzual
Monday, August 17, 2015 – trinidadexpress.com

ViolenceWith two children, aged 11 and 13, currently before the courts on charges of manslaughter, several members of the public have taken to social media questioning at what age can a child be held criminally responsible for their actions, and if it was right that children be made to face such a serious charge.

However, many people may be shocked to know that the age for criminal responsibility in Trinidad and Tobago is actually seven years.
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Wet brown paper could cut Jack

By Raffique Shah
August 02, 2015

Raffique ShahIN days of old here in Trinidad, people one or two generations ahead of mine used an adage, “when yuh crooked, wet brown paper could cut you”.

The word “crooked” in that context usually meant “a run of bad luck”, although in the instant case of Jack Warner, to whom it now applies, it could be a double-entendre. And if wet brown paper could cut you, then you were really deep in the doo-doo.
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Jack Warner and the sub judice rule

Express Editorial
July 21, 2015 – trinidadexpress.com

Jack WarnerEven before the arrest and incarceration of Jack Warner on May 27, 2015, Mr Warner’s perceived and alleged wrongdoings in FIFA occupied headlines in national, regional and international newspapers and electronic media.

Since the arrest, scores of articles, talk shows and news items have been most liberal with matters existing out of Mr Warner’s US indictment for fraud, racketeering and money laundering. As we say in Trinidad and Tobago, every Tom, Dick and Harrilal have “washed their mouth” on Mr Warner’s charges.
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Abu Bakr detained by police for questioning in relation to Dana Seetahal’s murder

By Derek Achong
July 20, 2015 – guardian.co.tt

Jamaat al-Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu BakrJamaat-al-Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr was detained by police this morning in connection with the murder of former independent senator Dana Seetahal, SC.

Bakr, 81, also known as Lennox Phillip, remains detained at the Central Police Station at St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain after he was arrested at his Long Circular Road, St James home around 4.30 am.

His son, Fuad Abu Bakr complained that police were witholding information about the reason for his detention and planned to protest outside the police station later today.
Continue reading Abu Bakr detained by police for questioning in relation to Dana Seetahal’s murder

Karma, boy, karma

By Raffique Shah
May 31, 2015

Raffique ShahIf, in what may be described as normal countries, a week in politics is a long time, in abnormal Trinidad and Tobago, a week can be likened to a lifetime. Last week, most scribes and commentators in the media engaged in heated exchanges over the latest bacchanal in the Integrity Commission.

Today, few remember what that furore was about or who the protagonists were.
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Putin Lashes U.S. on FIFA Probe

Putin: FIFA-linked arrests are US attempt to thwart Blatter re-election

May 28, 2015 – rt.com

Vladimir PutinThe FIFA-linked arrests on the eve of the re-election of the organization’s chief are an obvious attempt to thwart Sepp Blatter’s re-appointment, Vladimir Putin said, answering journalists’ questions. He added it’s another example of US meddling abroad.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the US could be selfishly motivated for its own gain, as was the case with Edward Snowden and Julian Assange.
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DPP Orders Probe into Prison Litigations

CONSPIRACY

By Jada Loutoo
May 08, 2014 – newsday.co.tt

Director of Public Prosecutions Roger GaspardDIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC, says he is of the “unflinching view” that there is more than sufficient material in the ruling of High Court Master Patricia Sobion-Awai in the Jamal Sambury assault claim against the State to warrant a criminal investigation of conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice and conspiracy to defraud the State of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Another scandal we’ll forget

By Raffique Shah
May 04, 2014

Raffique ShahDoes anybody remember or know what happened with the scandalous “Section 34” issue? I recall that in the euphoria of the 50th anniversary of Independence, on August 31, 2012, some powerful person had that section of the Administration of Justice Act surreptitiously proclaimed, thereby opening a gateway to immunity (well, almost) for persons charged with corruption in the Piarco Airport matter.
Continue reading Another scandal we’ll forget