(Trinidad Express) Former prime minister, Basdeo Panday, has issued a pre-action protocol letter to the All Trinidad General Workers’ Trade Union claiming that he is being illegally and wrongfully evicted from his office at the Rienzi Complex in Couva.
The trade union, owner of the property, served the“notice of eviction letter” on Panday at his office last week. The office was then padlocked, preventing Panday from entering the building.
Panday’s pre-action protocol letter, dated February 27, requested that as a matter of urgency the trade union immediately remove the locks and refrain from blocking access and occupation of the premises, as Panday had not removed his furniture , documents and valuable personal property
Panday is the Honorary President of the All Trinidad General Workers’ Trade Union and founder of the United National Congress (UNC), which was previously housed at Rienzi Complex.
The letter stated that Panday had held an office at the Rienzi Complex for the last 39 years, until his illegal eviction on February 21.
It stated that at his public instalment in the office of honorary president in 1997, “it was made abundantly clear” that Panday was entitled to an office space at the Rienzi Complex rent free for the duration of his natural life.
Panday, it stated, had spent sums of money in the development of the office that he occupies. “The Union has always encouraged and acquiesced in our Client’s belief that he would be entitled to the occupation of this office rent free for the duration of his natural life,” according to the legal letter to the union.
But when he was appointed Member of Parliament Panday paid the union his $3,000 monthly sub-office allowance, according the letter.
Following his tenure as MP the office reverted to its original occupation and use, Panday is contending.
“This was settled on the 29th December, 2010, when the Union refused an offer of payment made for the use by our Client’s Foundation of the designated office space. The matter was revisited by our Client’s letter of the 24th August 2011, the contents of which has never been denied by the Union,” the letter stated.
The letter noted that should the trade union refuse to remove the locks, allowing Panday access and occupation of the premises, High Court proceedings will be initiated.
The trade union is also being asked to pay all legal costs incurred in the sum of $17,500.
