Dear Editor,
The recent court cases that engaged our apex court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal, have indeed had some memorable moments, but for the purpose of brevity, only a few would be mentioned here. I am certain others would have their own memories to share.
If I have misquoted/misrepresented anyone, it is not as a result of being “vexatious”, and I hope no one feels it is his/her private or public duty to file criminal charges against me, as I beforehand apologise.
Firstly, the expressions on the faces of the Judges of the CCJ, especially the President of the Court, gave me, at least, the impression of saying, without verbalising it, What nonsense are these lawyers (headed by not DAG, but only AG) saying to this Court?
Where did these people study law?
Then there was one of the Iron Ladies adjudicating in a few of these proceedings, who on one occasion told one lawyer, “this is my court”, which to my mind meant “tek yo seat and wait till I tell yo, yo can talk”.
There were numerous terms used which had me hustling fo me dictionary/thesaurus, beginning with “mutates mutandis”, which I understand many in the legal profession, because of his over frequent use of this term, would stop calling him Basidee or pagalee and now call him by that term.
Possibly he can find some way to ask the learned Trinidad Senior Counsel, how he can fit into his nonsense the term “stare decisis”.
Or if he is not too embarrassed, he can ask “young Ram” how he can make some use of the words “res judicata”, but he should be careful and not spell it in his written presentation, as “Rise Judy Canta”.
Now the “old Ram”, a genuine senior, even though many thought, again took a political line, was enlightening with his historical review that brought the role and function of the CEO into force, but it appears as if the current holder of that position has not read that amendment and is still stuck in that “lower field”.
A moment I could look at again and again, was another star of the show (who, unfortunately, in my opinion, pitched a few times in the past, possibly because of not having enough tail or a bad loop, like a kite) soared high in the Court of Appeal, in her presentation on behalf of the original “Iron Lady” and again when asked her opinion on a Stay. Vexatious again took centre stage. Basidee, yo hear, who vex, vex!!!
Watching the live proceedings (despite GPL deciding to again black out coverage, not realising playback was possible) one could not escape the sheer desperation on the faces of the lawyers whose entire case was thrown out, followed by the excuse/plea by mutatis mutandis’ shadow that his instrument was not working.
The question by a real AG, as to what was being requested to be “stayed” as there was NO ORDER granted, made sense, and have persons in a state of puzzlement up to now.
And then to crown it all, a majority of “No Stay” to a majority of “yes Stay”.
Hopefully, Editor, the comedy show has now come to an end, and GECOM allows the nation to resume breathing and for the new Government to effectively fight the COVID-19 and to rebuild our damaged economy.
Best regards,
H N Nawbatt
