Burkie's SoE lawsuit goes to trial in 2020

Sea Lots businessman Cedric “Burkie” Burke’s lawsuit against the State, in which he is seeking compensation for malicious prosecution and false imprisonment after he was arrested and charged with being a gang leader during the 2011 state of emergency, will go on trial in the new year.

New trial dates were set for the matter when it came up for hearing before Justice Robin Mohammed at the Port of Spain High Court, this morning.

The case will go to trial on February 5, and directions were given for the filing of submissions and legal authorities.

Burke is represented by attorneys Richard Clarke-Wills and Celeste St Louis.

Burke’s lawsuit challenges his arrest and detention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, on August 26, 2011.

More than 4,000 people were arrested during the SoE. Hundreds of people, including Burke, charged under the Anti-Gang Act during that time were discharged on the advice of the DPP owing to lack of evidence.

Burke and his driver were charged by officers of the Port of Spain Criminal Investigation Department (CID) who arrested them while they were at the Hyatt on August 26.

They had checked in on August 23, two days after the SoE was announced by then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.