Sadiq collapses in court

UPDATED:

Piarco corruption accused Sadiq Baksh collapsed while giving evidence in the Port of Spain Magistrates Court at the Piarco 2 preliminary inquiry yesterday before Senior Magistrate Ejenny Espinet.

Baksh, a former UNC minister of Works and Transport, had just resumed testimony in his defence when he collapsed in the witness box. He was moved to a bench, where he was hunched over, retching into a plastic bag. Espinet immediately sought medical assistance for Baksh, who was assisted by one of the defence attorneys.

While on the telephone, the magistrate asked Baksh a few questions, including whether he was experiencing pain and said it was advised that he not eat or drink anything. He said he was not in pain, although he was still doubled over. A Judiciary security officer escorted Baksh outside the courtroom, where he was fanned.

He continued retching in a bag while they awaited the arrival of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). When the EMTs arrived, Baksh’s vitals were checked and he was taken in a wheelchair to an ambulance. Co-accused Amrith Maharaj said he telephoned Baksh’s son to tell him his father was being taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital.

Before adjourning the matter to next Wednesday, Espinet said she wanted to ensure the ambulance arrived before she ended the matter for the day. At the hospital, Baksh was admitted to the Accident and Emergency department and taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He underwent a series of tests, one of which was an electrocardiogram (ECG.)

At about 12.45 pm, Baksh was seen in a wheelchair, surrounded by a group of doctors and relatives. He was later seen at about 1.45 pm on a gurney and was taken to he Intensive Care Unit. Baksh started his defence last month after Espinet ruled that he and his co-accused had a case to answer.