Law Association being called to account

A petition has been signed by 35 members of the association, including five senior counsel, calling for answers on the payment without informing them or proper consideration of legal authorities.

The petition also called for two senior executive members of the last council, led by former president Reginald Armour, SC, to withdraw their nominations for positions in the council which was voted in on March 17.

Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes was installed as president after the position was unopposed.

According to the petition, payment of an undisclosed sum was approved and paid to the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) as arrears of VAT on subscription fees paid by members.

The lawyers complained that no report has been made available to them on the quantum of the payments made as well as an alleged outstanding sum.

The petition also noted that the issue of the payment of VAT on subscription fees came up at a council meeting in 1999 and a decision was taken to deregister for the payment of VAT after that council received advice on whether VAT was payable on membership subscription fees.