The Law Association's special general meeting had to be rescheduled yesterday because of a poor turnout.It has been rescheduled to next Wednesday.Sources within the association said when the meeting was convened at the Hall of Justice, Port-of-Spain, around 3 pm yesterday, only seven members were present.Law association president Seenath Jairam was not at the meeting, as he was said to be overseas. Vice-president Gerry Brooks attended.
The motion due to be discussed at the meeting was approval for a $15 million budget to outfit the association's new headquarters on Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain, and a 15-year mortgage to fund the project.The T&T Guardian understands that the association needed a quorum of at least 60 members for a vote on the motion.
The new property was purchased early this year for $13 million, while repair and retro-fitting work has been estimated at another $2.5 million. Once approved, the new building will include a car park for 16 cars, a library and mediation facilities.The association had previously bought land at Hayes Street, St Clair, and planned to construct a building there, but instead sold the land in October for $7.5 million.
Another issue which was expected to be raised is the recent public criticism over the judiciary's delay in the delivery of judgments in major appeal cases.