Band leaders seek relief

Justice Joan Charles granted leave to the TT Carnival Bands Association to challenge the minister’s decision.

The association said the minister had a duty to appoint one nominee from the organisation which is “most representative of carnival bands” to the board of Commissioners of the NCC and is challenging the short term appointment of David Lopez, president of the NCBA, until October 29.

They further claim that the minister’s powers under Section 5(2) of the NCC Act only provides for a two-year appointment.

The TTCBA is seeking a declaration that the decision was illegal as Lopez was not a nominee from the organisation.

They have also asked the court to declare the interim appointment of Lopez as illegal and done in the absence of consultation and was without reasonable basis.

The TTCBA is also seeking to quash the decision of the Minister with respect to the appointment of Lopez to the NCC Board. Attorneys Shiv Sharma and Vivek Lakhan-Joseph are representing the TTCBA. The matter was adjourned to June 13.