Court rules public must have a say

The court is to hear an application filed by the Integrity Commission which is seeking the determination of the High Court on two issues — The first is whether or not provisions of the Constitution of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Integrity in Public Life Act, 2000, as amended Judges and Magistrates are persons in public life subject to the provisions of the Integrity in Public Life Act 2000, as amended.

The other issue seeks to clarify the meaning of the expression, "Members of the Boards of all Statutory Bodies and State enterprises, including those bodies in which the State has a controlling interest," as stated in Paragraph 9 of the Integrity In Public Life Act, 2000 as amended.

Yesterday’s court order was made by Justice Judith Jones who presided in the matter when it was called at a Port-of-Spain High Court.

Attorney Deborah Peake, who is representing the Integrity Commission, said she had no problem with anyone who wished to come forward and assist in the proceedings. However, Peake requested that the matter be treated with some urgency since it was important that their team of attorneys did not come across as being in dereliction of their duties.

Attorney Martin Daly who appeared for the Attorney General’s office informed Jones that there was only one company he knew that wished to take part which was a limited liability company.

Following the submissions, Jones ordered that all affidavits be filed no later than November 28. The affidavits are to be served on both Plaintiffs and Defendants involved in the matter. The matter will again come up for hearing on December 6.