Email

Print

How could that happen to a political leader? We asked her Chairperson who is an attorney to explain:

Sheena Pitts, Interim Chairman
"Essentially, before the application could have been marshaled and arguments advanced, the honorable Tracy Panton indicated that she had hoped for an extension of time in order to properly have legal representation, because at the hearing she had not been in a position to secure her legal representation, which is being sought outside the jurisdiction."

"Now, inasmuch as you would have expected. In all fairness, justice would ensure that both parties have legal representation, The court indicated that the matter is one of urgency. The matter was not treated ex parte - without the parties - and we were filed notice and so the court denied the application for an extension of time to facilitate appearance of counsel."

"Thereafter, the matter proceeded it, and because we had been in prior discussion with counsel, there were certain instructions that were given which precluded representation beyond then. So what happened, I attempted, and I have to say attempted - to appear as amicus. when you appear as amicus curiae, it is not for any party, it is for the court and for the assistance of the court. The court was asking honorable Panton a question, and I verbalized an answer. And because of that, and rightly so, the court decided that as Amicus, I would not be necessary."

"Counsel for the other side marshaled the application and made arguments, and the Honorable Panton was permitted to make representations. But what is important and what we need to appreciate is that the other side filed an application with an affidavit and they also filed legal submissions which was received by honorable Panton yesterday about 4:52 p.m."

"And so on. Her part, she was not in a position to respond to legal position, legal submissions as a layperson, and rightly so. But she was able to comfortably handle herself in indicating what her position is."

"But our position on we really know that the nation knows that the real issue is the October 20 national Convention, which the other side is operating as if though it is not valid. And so when the court was making the orders today, the court was sure to indicate that it hopes that both sides can cooperate on this charge itself in such a way that both sides assist the court in identifying what the real issue is, what the real list is as between the parties."