Bahamian Offshore Bankers Levin Leach and Rohn Knowles have been in jail pending an extradition request since September 15th. Today, their attorneys Eamon Courtenay and Godfrey Smith went to the Supreme Court to try and get bail for the principals of the now defunct Titan Securities.
They appeared before Justice Denis Hannomansingh in a courtroom filled with their family members and media. Everyone was there except Leach and Knowles. It seems the paperwork hadn't been put together to get them to the city for their bail hearing. Their attorneys explained the snafu and why they think their clients qualify for bail:…
Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"There were informed that neither of the two gentlemen have been brought down from Kolbe Facility and in addition to that the other side asked for more
time to be able to respond to our written submissions. The position is the matter is adjourned until Monday, the 29th of next week."
Jules Vasquez
"At this point has an extradition request been formally entered requesting your clients?"
Godfrey Smith
"Our information from government council is that no formal application for extradition has been made to the government of Belize."
Jules Vasquez
"Now any rational person reach a conclusion that because these gentlemen are Bahamians, were they to receive bail?"
Eamon Courtneay, Attorney
"Our instructions are very clear that our clients have no intention of leaving this jurisdiction or intention of fleeing. In order to deny them their
freedom I think there has to be sufficient evidence of a risk of absconding."
Reporter
"Would it count that they were actually caught at the airport once already?"
Eamon Courtneay
"They weren't caught at the airport, that's a mistake. These gentlemen were assured by the commissioner of police and the ministry of foreign affairs
at the highest level that they were free to leave this jurisdiction. Unfortunately, they were stopped by someone at the airport who was not aware of
this permission being granted and then a search was effected."
Godfrey Smith
"Antidotally a lot of people have said why the men haven't gone through the border at night in Chetumal or Melchor. The simple fact is, obviously if
they wanted to flee, they would have chosen then route but they were bent on assuring they were in compliance with all laws at all times. Only after
clearing with the relevant authorities, where there was nothing prohibiting them going to their home country, where they would have preferred to face
any extradition, they attempt to do so openly. Now that they are aware that is not possible and their prepared to deal with the situation here."
Reporter
"Can you comment on the amount of money that they had on their possession? It doesn't seem they were going on a vacation."
Godfrey Smith
"The amount of money they had in their possession was something in the vicinity of $6,000 US each, which is not a whole lot of money."
Eamon Courtneay
"It seems that Washington D.C has replaced Belmopan when it comes to mutual legal assistance, so that is a matter that will have to be explored in the
court."
Belize's new Solicitor General, Barbadian Anita Jackson appeared for the Government of Belize. 
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