Singh case delayed by incomplete file

The Judicial Review files of convicted attorney Jagdeo Singh,  which were sent to Attorney General John Jeremie for instructions sometime after November 17, 2003, went back to the Solicitor General’s office without instructions. This was the explanation given to Justice Prakash Moosai yesterday by junior State  attorney Ayana Humphrey. Humphrey was holding for attorney Josaphina Baptiste. Singh was granted leave of the court to seek judicial review against a decision by Commissioner of Prisons, Leo Abraham, to remove him on June 3, 2003 from a cell he was occupying by himself to one with two other prisoners — one convicted of manslaughter and the other for narcotics. Singh was sentenced to seven years hard labour on corruption charges.

In the judicial review proceeding, Singh is being represented by Dana Seetahal and Rikki Harnanan, instructed by Nadia Astraph. Yesterday, Seetahal reminded the court that when the matter came up on November 17, 2003, the State assured the court that it wanted some time to respond to Singh’s affidavit. Up to yesterday, however, it had not responded, she said. It was at this point Humphrey explained that they had not yet received instructions, and further pointed out that the AG is out of the country.

She promised that when he returns they hope to have a way forward, possibly with a view of bringing the matter to an end. When Baptiste arrived, she explained that there were certain matters raised in Singh’s affidavit that needed investigation, which were being carried out by the prison authority. However, Baptiste explained that they had not yet received the report, but hoped to do so later yesterday. Baptiste assured the court that when the AG returns, she will get instructions on the matter. The matter was adjourned to June 24, for mention.