Highway Reroute Movement (HRM) leader Dr Wayne Kublalsingh will have an opportunity to cross-examine Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan with regards to work being done along the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension to Point Fortin.
Justice Ricky Rahim, presiding in the San Fernando Civil Court, granted leave to Kublalsingh yesterday to file for judicial review and also fix the matter for trial next month.
Kublalsingh filed the claim last February after he alleged that Sinanan reneged on a promise made during a meeting with HRM member in March 2017 to halt work on the contentious Debe to Mon Desir segment of the highway, and to consult with the HRM before resuming any work in that section.
When the matter was called, the judge, who was recently assigned the matter, was surprised that Kublalsingh’s application for leave had not been dealt with having been filed almost a year ago.
“I don’t understand why the leave application has been in the system for almost a year. It really makes no sense,” said the judge.
As Rahim considered dates for the trial, Sinanan’s attorney Kelisha Bello indicated that she would have to consult with the minister. However, the judge said while he understood her position and that the minister might be very busy, the court has its job to do.
“He’s probably one of the busiest people in this whole country, quite justifiably so but the court has its schedule,” said the judge. He went on to say that if it becomes necessary the court would issue a summons and subpoena the minister to come to court to be cross-examined. Kublalsingh has not retained an attorney and is doing the matter himself.
The matter was adjourned to February 17 when Kublalsingh will be allowed to cross-examine the minister and another defence witness Sharon Imbert.
However, the judge has restricted his cross-examination of the minister to 30 minutes and 20 minutes for the other witness. Sinanan’s attorney will also have an opportunity to cross-examine Kublalsingh and his witnesses.
The parties will make their submissions to the court the following day. Before the matter was adjourned, the judge set deadlines for the filing of further documents, including affidavits and submissions.
Speaking to reporters after the matter, Kublalsingh said he was surprised but extremely happy that the judge expedited the matter and set a date to hear his claim.
Claiming that the minister has since restarted works, which intensified in last December, in the contentious segment, he said the HRM also came to the court seeking injunctive relief to stop all works pending the outcome of the matter. “Fortunately, we are very pleased with this judge, Justice Rahim, he has expedited matters tremendously.
“He was very surprised that after one year the hearing for leave had not been heard.”
If they are successful in the matter, Kublalsingh said he is hoping that the minister meets with HRM members and economic, scientific and technical experts to come up with a plan to reroute the highway.