Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty has raised concerns over the prolonged absence of defence attorney Darren Wade from the ongoing trial into the alleged manipulation of the 2020 General and Regional Elections, as proceedings continued at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Before the day’s proceedings began, Prosecutor Madana Rampersaud informed the court that he had been unable to file submissions related to voir dires in the trial due to illness and family emergencies.
The court then heard the conclusion of testimony from Sasenarine Singh, a PPP/C party agent during the elections who had previously testified in February. Singh had raised concerns about the use of a spreadsheet and the pace at which Statements of Poll were called during the tabulation process. His testimony concluded after cross-examination by defence attorney Eusi Anderson.
However, when it was Wade’s turn to cross-examine, he could not be reached. Calls from the court clerk and attempts by fellow defence attorneys went unanswered, prompting Magistrate McGusty to question whether Wade remained part of the defence team, noting she had not heard from him for an “extended” period.
Shortly after, defence attorney Dexter Todd informed the court that Wade had returned his call, offered his apologies and indicated he would not be proceeding with cross-examination. Singh’s testimony was then formally concluded.
When proceedings resume after the lunch adjournment, witness Bibi Aneishaw Mohamed is expected to return to the stand. The matter has been adjourned to Monday, April 27, with additional hearing dates set for May 18, May 20 to 22, and June 15 to 19 and June 22 to 26.
Nine individuals are currently before the court charged with conspiring to manipulate the results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition, with the intention of denying victory to the PPP/C. Among those charged are former minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers.
The March 2020 elections sparked months of controversy and delays before Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President on August 2, 2020.
