Magistrate flags defence attorney’s ‘extended’ absence as 2020 elections trial continues

As the trial into the 2020 General and Regional Elections continues, acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on Friday raised concerns over the absence of defence attorney Darren Wade, stating that the court had not heard from him for an “extended” period.

Wade later apologised to the court through his colleague attorney, Dexter Todd and declined to cross-examine a key witness, Sasenarine Singh.

The trial is ongoing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Before proceedings began on Friday, Prosecutor Madana Rampersaud informed the court that he had been unable to file submissions due to illness and family emergencies. The submissions were in relation to void dires in the trial.

The court then heard the conclusion of testimony from Sasenarine Singh, who had previously testified in February. Singh, who was a PPP/C party agent during the elections, had raised concerns about the use of a spreadsheet and the pace at which Statements of Poll (SOPs) were called during the tabulation process. His testimony concluded on Friday after cross-examination by defence attorney Eusi Anderson.

However, when it was time for further cross-examination, Wade could not initially be reached. Calls from the court clerk and attempts by fellow defence attorneys went unanswered.

Then Magistrate McGusty told the court she had not heard from Wade for an “extended” period and questioned whether he remained part of the defence team. She also noted that calls made to him had gone unanswered and had not been returned. Shortly after, Todd informed the court that Wade had returned his call. Todd relayed that Wade offered his apologies to the court and indicated that he would not be proceeding with cross-examination.

Following this development, Singh’s testimony was formally wrapped up and the court adjourned for lunch. When proceedings resume, another witness, Bibi Aneishaw Mohamed, is expected to return to the stand to continue her testimony.

The trial is advancing under structured case management guidelines. This means dates are fixed for hearings in advance. After Friday’s hearing, the matter will be adjourned to Monday, April 27.

Additional dates have been 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 Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party Civic (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.