Seetahal: Bakr’s valuation doubled

The issue was raised before Justice Rajendra Narine at the Port-of-Spain Eighth Civil Court during the hearing regarding the State’s intention to attempt to offset the $30 million debt owed by Bakr via sale of his (Bakr’s) properties.

The State claims that the debt was incurred as a result of destruction to Police Headquarters and damage to the Red House during the 1990 insurrection.

At a previous hearing, Bakr’s attorney Mark Seepersad had indicated that his client intended to challenge this move by the State, and claimed that the debt had already been repaid.

Seetahal, who represents the State, said she had received copies of the Imam’s affidavits on Friday and all the other valuation reports yesterday morning.

She said the State had filed three valuation reports and was waiting for the last report to be completed. Seetahal said all the other documents were expected to be filed by yesterday.

Also, she said, the State would definitely be responding to the eight affidavits and the valuation report filed by Bakr’s attorneys. She said the State needed three weeks to prepare a response.

Eight affidavits were filed on behalf of Bakr between June 7 and 8.

Two sworn to by Bakr’s wives Anisa Abu Bakr and Indrani Maharaj, one by Dolcie Bholai, one by Gary Phillip, one by Kala Akii Bua, and two by Bakr himself.

Both sides agreed to file the requisite notices on cross-examination. The Imam’s attorney Seepersad, however, added that if his client was to be cross-examined, a writ of habeas corpus would have to be filed.

The matter will next be heard on July 18.