Prosecutor laments Piarco and Seetahal inquiry clash

Peterson made the request yesterday in the Port of Spain Magistrate’s 4C Court during his closing remarks in which he raised the issue of clashes in the times of the Piarco airport and the Dana Seetahal murder inquiries. He serves as lead prosecutor in both matters.

Peterson explained security concerns of police officers and court officials pertaining to the transportation of Rajaee Ali and ten other accused, have led to challenges in transportation for him as well as other members of the prosecution.

However, one of the accused, Steve Ferguson expressed his objection to the proposed shift, saying any deviation from the schedule would be an inconvenience to him.

“Your Worship, I have scheduled my life over the past two years to be here every Friday for the inquiry so it would be a great inconvenience to me if there was any kind of shift from Friday.” Defence attorney Christophe Rodriguez echoed Ferguson’s sentiments and argued that the shift would be counter-productive to the continuation of the proceedings, citing the time his clients have spent before the courts for this matter.

“This matter predates the Dana Seetahal inquiry your worship so it should be given some priority given the length of time it has been going on for.” However Peterson was firm in his conviction and said that convenience was not the only factor to consider for the shift, as security concerns was also a top priority in the matter.

“The point raised by the defence is not even the point your worship. It’s also a matter of security as a portion of St Vincent street is cordoned off every Friday which causes even more difficulty in reaching the courts on time.” Espinet adjourned the matter to September 8, which is a Thursday.

She said that further discussion on the feasibility of a shift would take place at that time.

During yesterday’s hearing, accused Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh refused to sign caution documents. Galbaransingh explained that he would only be willing to sign the documents if he were able to make his statements before hand.

“Your Worship, my position is that I want my statement to be given or I won’t be signing the document.”