Defence: Plaintiff a victim of ‘political conspiracy’

A HIGH Court judge was yesterday told to make a finding that Prime Minister Patrick Manning had committed an act of “political victimisation” when he intervened and stopped the appointment of Devant Maharaj as deputy director of the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB). In making this submission to Justice Mira Dean-Armorer in the San Fernando High Court, Queens Counsel Dr Fenton Ramsahoye said Manning had no legal basis to object to Maharaj’s appointment by a letter sent to NLCB’s Chairman Louis Lee Sing. Justice Dean-Armorer is adjudicating in the trial of a lawsuit which began yesterday, filed by Maharaj against the NLCB and Manning. Maharaj is contending he was appointed to the deputy director position by the Statutory Authority Services Commission (SASC) on September 14, 2001. By letter dated October 20, however, Manning wrote to the NLCB chairman requesting that the appointment be revoked.

Ramsahoye, representing Maharaj with attorney Anand Ramlogan, submitted to Justice Dean-Armorer that the SASC appointed Maharaj because he was qualified, topped an interview and was more senior. But Manning objected to Maharaj’s appointment, Ramsahoye said, but gave no reasons. Ramsahoye submitted to the judge, “It has demonstrated the worst form of political victimisation. Maharaj was a victim of a political conspiracy to promote Gemma Pierre to the post.” Pierre was recommended to fill the position at NLCB. Ramsahoye also told the judge there was no legal basis for the Prime Minister intervening in the appointment of anyone in the NLCB. “Therefore,” he told the judge, “there was no lawful justification for the Prime Minister intervening in the promotion of Maharaj.” Representing Manning at the hearing is attorney Alexi McKell of the firm Alexander, Jeremie and Company. The SASC is being represented by attorneys Elton Prescot SC and Phillip Lamont, instructed by Carlene Seenath of the Solicitor General’s Department. Douglas Mendes is appearing for Lee Sing.