Enmore NDC files $5M lawsuit against SARU

Seizure of computer systems

The State Assets Recover Unity (SARU) has been slapped with a $5 million lawsuit, filed by the Enmore Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) over the seizure of its computer systems three weeks ago.

It was reported that on April 6, 2017, a group of agents attached to SARU went down to the Enmore NDC and confiscated 15 desktop computers and eight backup power packs without informing officials there.

However, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SARU, Major (Rtd) Aubrey Heath-Retemyer had explained that his agency had merely gone to render assistance to the E-governance Department, which was going to retrieve the computer systems after it was informed by SARU that the NDC wanted to “get rid” of them.

But Vice Chairman of the Enmore NDC, Iqbal Dawud, subsequently denied that there was any “such plot”, adding that a decision was taken by the Council to have the “outdated” computers sold, if possible, and replaced with a new compliment so that the community could continue to benefit from their use.

To this end, the NDC sent SARU a lawyer’s letter asking that the systems be returned but the CEO responded last week saying that the matter was currently engaging the attention of the Legal Affairs Ministry and tye Attorney General’s Chambers and the computers and backup power packs have still not been returned.

As a result, the NDC took legal actions against SARU, claiming damages in excess of $1,000,000 for trespassing; $1,000,000 for the unlawful seizure and confiscation of the computer systems; $1,000,000 for the unlawful detention of the systems; $1,000,000 for conversion of the computer systems, and another $1,000,000 for aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as interest and other costs or relief deemed fit by the court.

The NDC is also requesting an order directing the defendants to return the said desktop computer systems along with backup power packs or pay its value.

The court documents, seen by Guyana Times, listed as the defendants; Director of SARU Clive Thomas, CEO Heath-Retemyer and Attorney General Basil Williams.