Imbert’s arrogance and ignorance on full display
The response from the Ministry of Finance to the Express’ pertinent and timely editorial “Government’s mounting legal bills” displays not only the arrogance of a man who has allowed his malice and political ill-will to be a drain on the treasury, but demonstrates his ignorance of the law.
The release states “decisions in the High Court only stand if not appealed”
The Minister famously described himself as a bush lawyer, however even bush lawyers know that the decision of the High Court stands until OVERTURNED… the mere fact of an appeal being filed does not vitiate a decision handed down by the high court which vindicated the rights of a citizen which were violated by the Minister’s conduct.
It is further unbecoming of a Ministry to say via press release that “in many cases, our Court of Appeal overturns decisions made in the high court…” This statement suggests and gives the impression to the public at large that judgments delivered by the High Court judges are unreliable and not to be taken seriously. This is a most unfortunate but more so incorrect statement and it is reprehensible for the Minister of Finance to make such a sleight criticism of the judges who ruled against him.
If the Minister was truly interested in being accountable to the public for the expenditure of legal fees, he would list the matters won by the Ministry of Finance, state the amount of legal fees paid to the preferred “PNM lawyers” and explain what benefits redounded to the citizens if this country who funded the undertakings.
He would also disclose the amount of money the Central Bank has spent on legal fees in the last 7 years under the PNM. The litigation involving the CLICO disaster has spiraled and mushroomed over the years with no form of accountability. The Central Bank has become a virtual feeding trough for PNM lawyers with no benefit to the suffering public.
Mr Imbert has lost more matters in court than any other Minister of Finance in this country’s history. Instead of taking jabs at the judiciary, he should put his money where his mouth is and promise to pay out of his pocket is he loses these matters so that taxpayers will not have to pay for his incompetence and arrogance.
Jayanti R Lutchmedial
Opposition Senator & Attorney-at-Law