Trinity Cross case starts tomorrow

This will be the bone of contention to be argued in a lawsuit challenging use of the Trinity Cross as the nation’s highest award. The lawsuit comes up for hearing tomorrow in the San Fernando High Court before Justice Peter Jamadar. The Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) and the Islamic Relief Organisation (IRO) have filed a constitutional motion challenging the use of the Trinity Cross.

Jamadar has set four days for continuous hearing of the case in the First Civil Court. Filed by attorney Anand Ramlogan of Freedom House Chambers, the SDMS and IRO’s lawsuit contends that the Trinity Cross is a universally accepted symbol of the Christian faith. Both the SDMS and the IRO are contending that having such an award in a multi-religious society amounts to a violation of citizens’ right to equality of treatment.

However, the State has filed two affidavits in response to the contention. One affidavit stated that the Trinity Cross was named after the Trinity Hills, and the award was, therefore, not significantly biased. Citizens were free to apply for the award and be selected for honour on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day awards, the affidavit stated.

British barrister John Horan will argue the case on behalf of the IRO. British Queen’s Counsel Dr Fenton Ramsahoye and Anand Ramlogan represent the SDMS. Senior Counsel Russell Martineau and attorney Deborah Peake represent the State.