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It Starts; GOB & AA Argue Over BTL At CCJ
posted (December 10, 2014)

Today at the Caribbean Court of Justice Headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad attorneys for the Ashcroft Alliance and Government commenced arguments in a raft of appeals and cross appeals meant to settle at this highest court, whether the nationalization of BTL and BEL were legal or not.

Appearing for Dean Boyce and the BTL Employee's Trust, Lord Peter Goldsmith opened arguments dramatically, declaring that his clients, from the Ashcroft Alliance, have been waiting five years to have their rights vindicated:…

Lord Peter Goldsmith, PC, QC - Attorney for Dean Boyce, Employees' Trust

"It is 5 years, 3 months and many days since there property have been was expropriated back in Belize; And they have been waiting despite already 2 decision from the court. One which held the acquisitions unlawful over 3 years ago. They've been waiting to come to this court for that period of time, hoping and expecting this group will finally be able to give them justice and help to restore the rule of law in Belize."

That video was courtesy the CCJ website. Goldsmith spoke for two hours forty five minutes. In the afternoon session, he was followed by Eamon Courtney who presented the case on behalf of British Caribbean Bank for 2 hours. He was then followed by Queen's Counsel Edward Fitzgerald, who spoke on behalf of Fortis Energy for 1 hour. Fitzgerald continues tomorrow for another hour, and that's when Denys Barrow will present the Government's appeal and response to the first 3 attorneys' cases. He gets 4 hours of speaking time, and then when he finishes, the previous 3 attorneys will get their chances to reply. That happens at the end of day 2, and finishes on day 3.

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