Defence pleads to stop Lindquist

American Raimundo Lopez-Lima Levi was a member of the Bob Lindquist team hired by Government to investigate allegations of corruption into the Piarco project. As Levi stepped into the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls, Vernon De Lima jumped up and said he wanted to make a submission before Levi gave evidence. Levi was put out of court as De Lima began his submissions by saying Levi was not qualified to give expert evidence. “He is being called here as an expert witness, it is improper for you to receive any evidence from Mr Levi as an expert. An expert comes to give evidence for the court, not for a side, he must have the highest standard of integrity,” De Lima continued. Mc Nicolls intervened, “What is your objection to this witness?”

De Lima said the CV provided to the defence by the State, revealed Levi performed certain forensic, auditing and management consultancy services. He pointed out that Levi assisted several individuals in 2005 in tracing funds, investigating money laundering and tax matters.

De Lima said that in 2002, Levi assisted the Ministry of the Attorney General to investigate allegations of corruption and fraud regarding this country’s newest airport project.