President, First Lady sued

PRESIDENT of the Republic, Professor Max Richards and his wife First Lady Dr Jean Ingrid Richards, have been sued in the San Fernando High Court by Mrs Richards’ brother Dennis Ramjohn, for breach of contract involving a house and land deal, four years ago. Ramjohn is contending in a High Court writ that he entered into an agreement with President Richards and his wife Dr Jean Ingrid, to sell a house located at Bel Air Gardens near San Fernando. First Lady Dr Jean Ingrid Richards, formerly lived at Cipero Street, San Fernando. According to Ramjohn’s writ, filed in the Sub Registry, San Fernando, in December, 2000, he entered into an agreement with the President and First Lady, that upon sale of the said house, they were to pay him (Ramjohn) $50,000. When the writ was filed, Richards was not President of the country.

Dennis Ramjohn had been living in the house which, at current value, is worth approximately $700,000. But Ramjohn stated in his writ, filed by attorney Margaret Shanta Parsad, that he was advised by his brother, Rolf Ramjohn, who is also the brother of the First Lady, to remain occupying the house until a buyer could be secured. That was in 1999, but according to Ramjohn’s (Dennis) writ, on Independence Day (August 31, 1999), he was asked by Rolf to give up possession of the house. Ramjohn stated in the writ that he complied and the house was sold. “The defendants (the President and his wife) have completed the sale of the property and despite repeated requests, have failed and or neglected and or refused to pay the plaintiff (Ramjohn), the sum of $50,000 or the sum of $1,500 per month,” Dennis Ramjohn stated in his writ. He stated that he had suffered loss and damage and is claiming against the President and his wife, breach of contract. He is seeking an order of the High Court that they pay him the sum of money.

The President and First Lady, however, have filed a defence to the action. They contended that Ramjohn breached the agreement of sale. Filed by the law firm Pollonais, Blanc, de la Bastide and Jacelon, of Port-of-Spain, Richards and his wife stated that Ramjohn breached the agreement by wrongfully remaining in occupation of the house. He did so without their approval, the defence of the President and First Lady stated. Accusing Ramjohn of breaching the agreement, the President and his wife stated that they are therefore not liable to the plaintiff (Ramjohn) for the sum of money he claims. The case came up for hearing on the Cause List on Monday before the Assistant Registrar of the High Court, San Fernando, Toolsie Ramdin. Instructions were given for attorneys to file summons for direction to set the matter down for trial within the next 42 days. Attorney Shanta Parsad has filed a summons in court, advising the registrar that the case is estimated to last two days.