Jearlean returns to court on Nov 4

Justice Eleanor Donaldson- Honeywell is presiding over John’s case in the Port-of- Spain High Court.

The HDC has filed an amended defence to John’s claims and has asked to view the former managing director’s reply before it is filed.

The matter has been adjourned to November 4 for the first case management conference.

John was present in court when the case was called.

John is seeking damages for wrongful dismissal and /or breach of contract of employment at the HDC and “all consequential loss suffered as a result of future employment prospects.” John is also seeking “aggravated exemplary damages” for the HDC’s handling in her dismissal.

In her statement of case, John asked the HDC for $7.5 million for “loss of future employment opportunity,” $5 million for the manner in which she was dismissed and damage to her reputation, $2,352,000 for 24 months of salary and 24 months bonus pay pursuant to the settled practice of the defendant with respect to departing managing director — as was done in the case of Noel Garcia — $500,000 in exemplary damages and 20 percent of gratuity of the value of the contract at $705,600. Had John remained on the job for the remaining eight-and-a-half months of her contract, she would have collected $1,420,000 from the HDC in salary and perks. On December 17, 2015, John was sent on administrative leave by the HDC board. However, on March 22 she was fired for “her reaction, demeanour, tone and manner of communicating with the board of directors.” John began working at the HDC in November of 2009 on contract.

John is represented by Gerald Ramdeen while Russell Martineau,SC, appears for the HDC.