CJ issue reaches cocaine trial

Venting his feelings on last Friday’s attempt to arrest Sharma at his (Sharma) Maraval home, attorney Prakash Ramadhar told Justice Anthony Carmona: “It (the arrest attempt) is a constitutional rupture.”

But Justice Carmona, presiding in the San Fernando First Criminal Court, intervened to warn the attorney that the CJ issue was sub-judice.

Insisting his concerns were far removed from CJ Sharma, Ramadhar continued: “this is not about Mr Sharma. It is about the highest example of the principle of the separation of powers.” Justice Carmona again intervened saying regardless of a person’s “standing” on the issue, “it is a moment of great disquiet.” Ramadhar made the comments during hearing of a case against three Penal fishermen who are charged with possession of 16.31 kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Ramadhar is representing one of the accused men - Ramesh Soobnarinesingh, 45.

The other accused - Parasram Mannoo, 32, and Learie Lincoln Andrews, 46 - are represented by attorneys’ Chateram Sinanan and Brian Dabideen. Hearing of the trial was subsequently adjourned.