Real Unity returns — VIPs sue Machel

TWO VIP patrons who were injured during the November 2000 "Real Unity" concert held at the Heliport in Chaguaramas are suing the organisers of the show and the management of the Heliport for a combined sum of $222,825.27.

The compensation is being sought for medical expenses incurred and loss of earnings by the two patrons. The writ was filed yesterday by attorney Keith Scotland in the Port-of-Spain High Court against Randy Glasgow Productions Limited,  XTATIK Limited,  Randy Glasgow, and the Chaguaramas Development Authority. The two patrons — Sharon Lamy and Diego Martin Regional Corporation Alderman Brian Abraham — are contending that there was an implied term of contract created between them and the organisers of the show that reasonable care and skill would be used to ensure that the concert site was safe and fit for its intended purpose. In addition they are claiming that the Chaguaramas Development Authority is liable to be sued since they were in charge of the management of the Heliport, and was supposed to advise the concert's organisers to make sure that all infrastructure erected was fit for public use.

In his writ, Abraham claimed that he received a fractured right ankle, generalised joint pain, stiffness and swelling, gastrointestinal irritation, irritation of Psoriasis and irritation on defecation,  and as such is claiming special damages to the sum of $220,720.27. The damages include loss of earnings for six months beginning November 27, 2000. Lamy, who received a displaced fracture of the distal right radius claimed special damages in the sum of $2,105 which represented medical expenses incurred as a result of the incident. In addition the two patrons are claiming that interest on the damages and costs be paid. In the writs, which were filed separately, the duo claimed that at the start of the concert, Machel Montano came out of a giant cake as fireworks and flames erupted from the stage. During the display the concert turned into a wild melee; the platform in the VIP section  collapsed  causing injury to both Lamy and Abraham.