Judge reserves ruling on Moonilal's injunction

JUSTICE Jacqueline Wilson has reserved decision on whether Clerk of the House of Representatives Jacqui Sampson-Meiguel could be deemed an expert witness in the State’s challenge to Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal’s injunction against the House’s Privileges Committee.

Attorneys for Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George filed an application on Thursday to deem Sampson-Meiguel an expert witness. Attorney Anand Ramlogan, SC, and attorney Gerald Ramdeen argued against it yesterday, asking Wilson to strike out the application.

They also argued 31 objections to evidence filed by the respondent.

Engaging Wilson is Moonilal's injunction against the Speaker sitting as a member of Parliament's Privileges Committee to adjudicate on disciplinary proceedings brought against the MP over statements made in the House in October.

Annisette-George, who chairs the committee, had agreed, in her capacity as Speaker, to Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds' and Leader of Government Business Camille Robinson-Regis’ motion of contempt against Moonilal.

The committee was supposed to meet in February but Moonilal sought a High Court injunction on the ground that the Speaker chairs the committee; Hinds, also a committee member, is involved in one of the complaints. The Speaker, however, decided to stay the proceedings until the hearing and determination of Moonilal’s injunction.

Yesterday, Moonilal and supporters packed the courtroom as Ramdeen made legal submissions on the issue of striking out Sampson-Meiguel’s evidence. Deborah Peake argued against, as well as attorney Michael Quamina, representing the interest of the Attorney General.

Wilson said she would deliberate on the issues and give her ruling.