London witnesses here for Panday case

OFFICIALS of the National Westminster (NatWest) Bank in London flew into the country late Sunday to testify for the State in  matters against former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, who is facing three charges of knowingly making false declarations, sources said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Trevor Paul confirmed and told Newsday yesterday that security measures are in place for the London witnesses for the duration of the summary trial , which is expected to begin today. The prosecution, which will be led by English Queen’s Counsel Timothy Cassell, originally intended to call three witnesses from the NatWest Bank, a female fraud liaison officer, a manager and a computer records official. However, sources said only two of the witnesses flew in for the trial, which was adjourned on the last occasion on February 24 after the defence team sent a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions requesting an adjournment because Panday needed to be at the side of his wife, Oma, who was due to have surgery abroad.