Gangar’s case hangs on appeal

In a judgment given on July 31, Bereaux quashed Espinet’s decision to hear the two charges against Gangar in separate trials. The judge also ruled against arguments by Gangar’s attorneys that the charges against their client were statute barred and were laid outside the legal six-month period for charging him. The former Energy Minister is challenging the judge’s ruling against him, as well as Bereaux’s order that he pay half the legal costs in the judicial review application. Gangar also contends that Espinet does not have the jurisdiction to proceed with the matter.

Gangar is charged under the Integrity in Public Life Act with failing to declare to the Integrity Commission, bank accounts held in his name and that of his wife Maureen, in Jersey, Channel Islands in New York and San Fernando for 1999 and 2000.

Although State attorney Sabrina Doughdeen indicated she was ready to proceed, an October 6 adjournment was agreed upon, to facilitate hearing of the appeal at the opening of the new law term in September, as well as Gangar’s overseas trip between September 28 and October 5.