DUPREY SEARCH ILLEGAL

The State conceded yesterday that the search on the home and office of  billionaire businessman Lawrence Duprey was illegal and that the policemen acted out of their jurisdiction. The State and Duprey came to an understanding yesterday and entered a consent order before Justice Peter Jamadar in the San Fernando High Court. The State agreed to certain reliefs being sought by Duprey. Duprey had sought judicial review against the Anti-Corruption Bureau which had searched his business place on St Vincent Street in Port-of-Spain and his residence at Maraval.

Duprey is the head of CL Financial and CLICO. His attorneys, Russell Martineau SC and Faarees Hosein, had complained to the court about their client’s right being breached by the police. Martineau said that he was concerned for the fundamental right of his client. He said the police action was “a form of terrorism and it must stop.” Jamadar ordered that monetary damages be assessed by a judge in Chambers.