CARIBARENA Antigua

16:46 Douglas Mendez, lawyer for the UPP, has ended his submission on the opening day of the election petition appeals. Justice Hugh Rawlins commended him for how the mitigation was conducted, and expressed the hope that it spills outside of the court.

He expressed disappointment that there weren't more lawyers in court to see how it's done, noting there is "no anger in the law".

The UPP is continuing its case.

14:47 The Court of Appeal's afternoon session is ready to begin, as Douglas Mendez continues his arguments in dispute of Justice Blenman's ruling.

Court sources have said the sitting may go well into the evening, wrapping up at around 9 pm.

Floodlights are already in place outside the courthouse.

The weekend may also be used to complete the hearing.

12:40 Lead counsel Douglas Mendez continues his opening arguments in the Blenman appeal.

He is stressing that the issue is not about the late opening of the polls, but whether or not
persons in the line were allowed to vote after six.

11:46 Douglas Mendez, the lead attorney for the UPP, has begun his opening arguments in the Blenman ruling.

His arguments are based on the time polling began - addressing the argument that voting took place after six, thus disenfranchising some persons..

11:10 Late submissions have been made by the lawyers representing the claimants, that is, the UPP members.

Chief Justice Hugh Rawlins has already expressed some concern.

Lead attorney Douglas Mendez sought to introduce new information at the opening of the case but was greeted with some worry that this might impact the pace of their work.

The Chief Justice said he would have hoped not to be met with all of the new documents stating smartly, that he would have loved to deliver a judgment tomorrow.

10:50 A packed courtroom is awaiting the arrival of the judges of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal for day one of the Justice Blenman appeal.

The battery of lawyers representing the various interests in the matter are all seated as light discussions are taking place around before the start of the highly anticipated case.

The election petition case being heard at the level of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal is getting  underway this morning.

The long anticipated case to be considered by the judges deals with the Justice Louise Blenman ruling where three seats belonging to the ruling United Progressive Party were voided because of certain inefficiencies that developed on polling day last year that caused considerable delays in the voting process.

This court will have the final say on the matter.

Comments (9)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

superstitious??
written by Spell check, July 01, 2010

tenman, I think the word you meant to use is "suspicious." The word superstitious makes no sense in the context in which you are using it; nevertheless, what you said made a little sense.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

fnpsr
written by tenman, July 01, 2010

As in most cases I agree with you

• 
• +0
• 
• 

what new information?
written by fnpsr, July 01, 2010

"Lead attorney Douglas Mendez sought to introduce new information at the opening of the case but was greeted with some worry that this might impact the pace of their work. " I am surprised that new information may be permitted at the appeal stage. This is not a retrial but rather a review of the case based upon arguments at the lower court and the reasoning used by Justice Blenman in arriving at her decision. If this new information was intentionally withheld by either party, the the Court would send the case back to the lower court for consideration. I don't see how the appellate court can allow new information.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Evil thinks what Evil does
written by Sh**ly G, July 01, 2010

Whether it's a fact that Judge Blenman is here or not,it has nothing to do with the case in question, the UPP is just setting up an alibi for when the Courts rule against them,then as with everything else they will cry foul, when in truth they are the only Dam foxes in the den, they have become so accustomed to They own Lies& Bribes,that it seem almost impossible for them to see anyone else as been Credible, I pray to the Good lord that these Judges will see the truth as Judge Blenman did, and send these Lethal weapons where they belong,in the Dustbin of Political History.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

MLM
written by tenman, July 01, 2010

MLM am i wrong in quoting a story carried by carib arena? I like to try and focus on facts not superstitions. Yes agreed as human beings there can be ulterior motives but why spend your life always being superstitious? Let me end with the motto you seem to live by "trust no one"

• 
• +1
• 
• 

Tenman
written by MLM, July 01, 2010

Tenman, you always have a plausible explanation for everything, don't you? It also amazes me that you are never suspicious of the ALP, only explaining a way their actions. Aren't you describing yourself also? Fact, they are politicians and they ALL have ulterior motives,both UPP and ALP.

• 
• -2
• 
• 

story
written by tenman, July 01, 2010

There is a story carried by carib arena that explains the judges presence. She is here to chair a magistrates/registrars conference at the Jolly Beach Hotel from July 1-3. It always amazes me how suspicious our people are when they need not be. What I don't get though is persons seeing something strange in this but see no issue with the UPP changing the rules of the game even when it is clear that the game may need to be replayed.

• 
• +3
• 
• 

Fact or Fiction?
written by Tony Anthony, July 01, 2010

Ref. 1129670810 - 10m
Ref. 1625167205 - 17m
Ref. 1187048362 - 13m
Ref. 116782607 - 7m
Ref. 1172019403 - 22m
Ref. 1180482671 - 40m

Is this yet another blue herring being thrown out there by propagandists for the BLU.P.P, these allegations of Justice Bleman? I'm not saying true or false, but I've been listening to the media for the day and have heard nothing about it. Even so, I don't quite understand the reasoning behind the argumentation that something smells bad. If it was a case where a criminal got a stay, and during that stay, s/he tried to interfere with the legal process to affect the outcome of the case, then I would agree that something thoroughly stinks. On the other hand, if it were the case that a Judge gave a verdict that was not agreed with, it seems fair enough if required, for that judge to show her side work to the other judges and explain how that judgment was arrived at!

Honestly though, I believe this allegation to be another blue herring put out on one of the BLU.P.P aligned radio stations.

P.S. Deep Throat, what a name, I hope that you are female and not male with a name lika dat.

• 
• +1
• 
• 

Blenman on Island why?
written by DeepThroat, July 01, 2010

Blenman is here for some confrence and has met with the Justices presiding over the appeal? Is that reasonable? Is that legal? Tell me this does not smell bad? I think it stinks. Why should she have any contact with a Justice presiding over an appeal of her ruling until have they have made a decision? Is that even legal? I don't think so.
It's like buying a lunch for the judge presiding over my case during the case.

• 
• -1
• 
• 

Name

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment