HRM to appeal ruling on highway project

ENVIRONMENTALIST Dr Wayne Kublalsingh and his Highway Reroute Movement (HRM) lobby group will appeal Justice Ricky Rahim’s dismissal of its legal challenge of the work being done on the Solomon Hochoy Highway extension to Point Fortin.

On Friday last, Rahim dismissed their claim. In a statement on Monday, Kublalsingh, on behalf of the HRM, said they were satisfied that the court agreed that the Works Minister gave them an undertaking on March 13, 2017, to consult with them before making a decision to resume work on the Debe to Mon Desir segment. Work on that portion was suspended in early 2016.

Kublalsingh, on behalf of the HRM, said by taking the matter to court, the group did as any civil public-interest body would do, after receiving such a promise and the minister’s failure to consult before restarting the project.

He also said the group was satisfied that the judge did not impugn their conduct and was satisfied that the court’s ruling in favour of the ministry on the issue of overriding public interest, has opened up several grounds for a successful appeal.

“The HRM is therefore currently preparing its case for appeal. It is consulting with its members and with attorneys to assist going forward in this legal process.

“The HRM holds firmly to the position that public officials must act, in this instance, in key areas of public and ecological health, and public finance and project execution, honestly, transparently and with candour. The consequences of fraudulent actions, or defending, shoring up, or justifying such actions, are detrimental to the extreme. The HRM is duty-bound to continue its long advocacy, which started in 2005,” Kublalsingh said.