Judge steps aside from COP election lawsuit

Justice Devendra Rampersad, presiding in the San Fernando High Court, yesterday recused himself from adjudicating in the case when it came up before him.

The case involves an injunction filed by COP member Kirt Francis against interim political leader Dr Anirudh Mahabir and general secretary Clyde Weatherhead. Attorneys appearing for them, however, told the judge that Mahabir and Weatherhead have since resigned from their posts in the party.

The election is carded for Sunday amid turmoil over the return of Dyer-Griffith who had resigned from the COP. She is among three women vying to lead the party which is seeking to revamp its membership as a third political force. The other contenders are former deputy political leader Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan and Sharon Gopaul-McNicols.

Rampersad told attorneys he once represented one of the defendants in the injunction lawsuit and if the attorneys were so minded, he would recuse himself.

In his lawsuit filed by attorney Lester Chariah, Francis cited article 16.3 of the COP’s constitution which states that except for the political leader and deputy political leader, all other national executive members of the party shall be elected for two years.

Another judge is to be assigned to the case which is expected to be heard today at the Hall of Justice, Port of Spain.