Elections Trial: Smith-Joseph’s travel order expires, Court views video of Mingo’s interview

The 2020 elections trial continued on Tuesday, focusing on the absence of one of the defendants, Carol Smith-Joseph, and the presentation of a police-recorded interview with former Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.

On Monday, the court was informed by defense attorney Dexter Todd that Smith-Joseph had been granted a High Court order to travel overseas. The prosecution requested a copy of the court order, and on Tuesday, they reminded the court of this request. Todd assured the court that the order would be made available before the end of the day.

Todd further explained that Smith-Joseph had been undergoing medical treatment and faced some challenges. He noted, however, that her treatment was successful and that she should be able to return to court by Wednesday. He added that she is likely to return to Guyana next week.

Upon reviewing the order, prosecutor Latchmie Rahamat requested that an extension be granted, as the court order had expired on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s proceedings also included testimony from Police Sergeant Romario Campbell, who was attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in 2020 as a crime scene examiner and videographer. Campbell recounted being tasked on 26 August 2020 to record an interview with former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo at the Major Crimes Unit. He detailed how he set up the equipment and secured the recordings.

In court, the video was played, showing investigators informing Mingo of the fraud allegations against him. When asked if he had made a declaration of results, Mingo replied that he preferred not to say.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Rahaman, who was an observer attached to the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) during the 2020 elections, was cross-examined by defense attorneys Darren Wade, Eusi Anderson, and Ronald Daniels.

Nine individuals are currently before the court, charged with conspiring to manipulate the election results in favour of APNU+AFC in an attempt to deny victory to the PPP. Those charged include former government minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, among others.

The trial was adjourned until Wednesday.