| After 12 Hours Of Arguments, Stake Bank Case Adjourned Until January |
| Fri, December 20, 2024 |
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As we reported yesterday, Mike Feinstein's constitutional challenge to the government's attempt to compulsorily acquire 23.4 acres of state bank in his name was argued up until 7:00pm last night. This morning, the arguments continued before Justice Goonetilleke with Sr. Council Eamon Courtenay concluding his arguments on behalf of OPSA and Godfrey Smith replying to all the arguments from the day before on behalf of his client Mike Feinstein. Smith argued that the law under which GOB is trying to acquire the land is unconstitutional. Further, he's also saying that the acquisition is not for a legitimate public purpose because the real purpose is to settle another claim about title to the land in the favor of OPSA. On the other hand, the Attorney General, OPSA, and the receiver for Stake Bank counter that the act is constitutional. They say that the minister is correct in deciding that the acquisition of the unfinished Stake Bank is for a legitimate public purpose. It is now up to the judge after listening to about 12 hours of heavy and highly technical arguments to make a decision over the Christmas holidays. But even if the judge rules the acquisition as unconstitutional, Atlantic Bank and OPSA still have another claim pending against Mr. Feinstein. That claim alleges that he obtained the 23.4 acres of state bank by fraud and that it should therefore be transferred to Stake Bank Enterprises Ltd. Which is now in receivership. That claim is scheduled to be heard in mid-January. We'll keep you posted on that. |
