Martineau: This is terrorism

SENIOR COUNSEL Russell Martineau expressed concern yesterday about the documents seized from the St Vincent offices of billionaire businessman Lawrence Duprey. Martineau told Justice Peter Jamadar in the Port-of-Spain First Civil Court that it was quite wrong for the police to use the documents. “I am concerned for the fundamental rights of my client (Duprey). It is a form of terrorism and it must stop. We are seeking no order for the return of the documents. We are concerned with the principle and fundamental rights of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.” Martineau, along with Faarees Hosein, represented Duprey, CL Financial, and CLICO in two judicial review cases brought against the State over the decision to search premises at Collens Road, Maraval, and 29 St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain.

Martineau said the documents were seized from his client’s business premises at CLICO building on St Vincent Street in pursuant of a warrant. He said the same warrant was being used to conduct searches against other persons. Douglas Mendes SC, who represented the State, said he was not aware that searches were being carried out against other people with respect to the same warrant. Martineau sought an undertaking from the State that his client’s premises will not be searched pending the determination of the judicial review cases. “My client is being searched, being harassed, and that is not right,” Martineau declared. However Mendes, who appeared with State attorneys Brandon Primus, Nadine Nabbie, and Nirala Bansee, gave no such undertaking.

The State was given until January 14 to file its affidavits in response to what the applicants had filed. Martineau was given until January 21 to respond, after which the judge will have a status hearing on January 27 in the San Fernando High Court. Two applications for judicial review were filed on December 6. In the first application, Duprey and Colltwofour Ltd were the applicants. The applicants in the second case were Duprey, CL Financial, and CLICO. A search warrant was executed at Duprey’s Maraval home around 11.10 am on October 25. A party of police officers attached to the Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau led by ASP Joseph Edwards and including Sgt John Telesford, arrived at the property.

They informed Duprey’s sister Barbara, that they had a search warrant to execute at the home. According to the applicant, the police did not show his sister the warrant, nor did they read it to her. Duprey arrived some time later after which the police carried out the search. Nothing was found, seized or carried away. Duprey had left his office and cancelled urgent meetings. When the police were leaving the premises, the media arrived, filmed, and took photographs of Duprey’s house. The search has caused damage to Duprey’s reputation locally, regionally and internationally. According to Duprey’s case, he has had to explain the search to his attorneys and bankers acting on behalf of foreign partners and to give assurances that he is not engaged in corrupt and/or illegal activities.