Moonilal files notice of intention to fight EMBD’s lawsuit

Former Housing minister Dr Roodal Moonilal has, through his attorneys, filed a notice of appearance in the Estate Management and Business Development Company (EMBD) lawsuit which was filed against him on Monday in the Hall of Justice. The lawsuit also named EMBD’s former chief executive officer Gary Parmassar, former divisional manager Madhoo Balroop, Andrew Walker, and companies Fides Limited, Namalco Construction Services Limited and ICB Contractors Limited. The lawsuit contends there was bid-rigging and bribery in which hundreds of millions of dollars worth in contracts were handed out to contractors on the eve of the 2015 general elections.

Attorney Anand Ramlogan SC is leading a team which includes Jayanti Lutchmedial and Douglas Bailey, instructed by Alvin Pariagsingh on Moonilal’s behalf. The notice of application was filed at about noon yesterday in the San Fernando High Court. In the application form, the box which asked the question whether Moonilal as the defendant intends to defend the action, was ticked “yes” And the box which asked the question whether he admits part of the claim, was ticked “no”.

Moonilal has until December 18 to file his defence to the multi-million dollar claim in accordance with the Civil Proceedings Rules of the Supreme Court. The case will come up for hearing on a date in January before Justice Devindra Rampersad.