Pigeon Point issue to be heard Friday

HIGH COURT Judge Joseph Tam yesterday informed the attorneys representing Robinson Crusoe Ltd and the State that he was unable to proceed with the constitutional motion before the court due to other part-heard matters that were before him. However, he informed them that the matter would be given priority on Friday.

Attorneys appearing for Robinson Crusoe Ltd yesterday were due to begin presenting their legal arguments before the court to seek an injunction to block the State from compulsorily acquiring the beach resort. When the matter was called, the judge asked Robinson Crusoe Ltd’s attorney Dr Fenton Ramsahoye QC how far they intended to proceed for the day. Dr Ramsahoye explained that they were prepared to have arguments for two days if the matter was heard for three hours on each occasion. The judge then informed Dr Ramsahoye that due to an incomplete matter before him, he would adjourn the matter to Friday. Dr Ramsahoye then enquired if the matter could be concluded on Friday, and Justice Tam informed him that it would be completed since both parties gave their assurance that their arguments would only last about two hours each. Attorney for the State Dr Lloyd Barnett informed the judge that the attorneys had their skeleton arguments in writing and advised that they be presented for the court’s assistance. Robinson Crusoe Ltd, a subsidiary of ANSA McAL and operators of Club Pigeon Point, filed the motion on July 4, claiming that the proposed acquisition of its property by the State was unconstitutional. Dr Barnett is assisted in the matter by Karen Fournillier, Terrance Thorne and John Jeremie instructed by Rohana Hosein, while Dr Ramsahoye and Rikki Harnanan instructed by Adrian Byrne appeared for Robinson Crusoe Ltd.