Court to rule on whether case made against GBTI directors

A city magistrate is expected to rule on March 19 on whether or not a case has been made out against the eight Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Directors who are charged with failing to comply with a court order.

The accused are Robin Stoby, SC, who is also Chairman of GBTI’s Board; Edward Anand Beharry, Chairman of Edward B Beharry and Sons Ltd; Suresh Beharry, Vice-Chairman of Edward B Beharry and Sons Ltd; Richard Isava, an investment banker; Shaleeza Shaw; Carlton James; Basil Mahadeo; and Kathryn Eytle-McLean.

It is alleged that they failed to comply with an order issued by the acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, for the production of documents for an ongoing criminal investigation.

The charge was brought against the directors by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

On November 15, 2018, SOCU prosecutor Patrice Henry, closed his case against the defendants. This then led to no-case submissions being made by the string of attorneys representing the accused.

Subsequent to the no-case submission, there was some back and forth as it relates to the prosecution’s response to the defence’s reply, then an additional reply by the defence.

The back and forth ended on Friday, when attorney Edward Luckhoo SC presented his response to one of the replies, followed by an oral highlight of key points in the written submissions. He was followed by attorney Steven Fraser, who also spoke on the submissions.

Prosecutor Henry then told the court that he would rely on his previous submissions.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who is presiding over the matter, adjourned it until March 19, when a ruling is expected to be made.