Selected case studies

Caribbean Court of Justice. Judgment 25 May 2026

Ramsamooj v The State of Suriname

Justin Phelps SC led for the claimant, political analyst Derek Anand Ramsamooj, before the Caribbean Court of Justice in its Original Jurisdiction. The Court held that Suriname had breached his treaty right to freedom of movement as a CARICOM national during his detention in Paramaribo. The judgment stands as binding regional authority on the rights of CARICOM nationals.

High Court of Trinidad and Tobago. Discontinued 26 January 2026

Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago v former CL Financial executives

The Central Bank and Clico withdrew a fifteen-year-old civil claim arising from the collapse of CL Financial, drawing the principal litigation to a close before Mr Justice Robin Mohammed. Justin Phelps SC acted for one of the former executives, and the submissions he advanced were adopted by the other defendants. He had earlier appeared at the 2011 Commission of Enquiry into the collapse, chaired by Sir Anthony Colman.

Magistrates' Court. Discontinued 6 March 2023

DPP v Panday, John and Galbaransingh

The Director of Public Prosecutions discontinued the eighteen-year prosecution of former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday and his co-accused over the construction of the Piarco International Airport. Justin Phelps and Chase Pegus acted for the Panday interests; their letters to the Director had made the case for ending the matter. He had earlier appeared at the 2003 Commission of Enquiry into the airport's construction.

High Court of Trinidad and Tobago. Interim orders 2021 and 2022

Authentic Builders General Hardware Ltd v Harnarine

Interim freezing injunction granted by Mr Justice Robin Mohammed in a corporate fraud claim brought against the former president of the Hindu Credit Union and members of his family. Justin Phelps appeared for the claimant company and its directors, instructed by Mr Gary Hannays.

Court of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago. Consent order 25 November 2015

Nicholas and Mora Ven Holdings Ltd v Persad

A thirteen-year corporate battle over Mora Oil Ventures was brought to an end by consent before Chief Justice Ivor Archie in the Court of Appeal, discharging the freezing relief that had been in place. The dispute turned on the operation of the offshore Mora Field licence and competing allegations of oppression. Justin Phelps appeared for Dr Krishna Persad and Krishna Persad & Associates, shareholders in Mora Ven Holdings.

High Court of Trinidad and Tobago. Judgment 4 September 2024

Moonilal v Rowley

An MP sued the Prime Minister and the Express over a published text exchange. The High Court dismissed the claim with costs; the words were not defamatory.

High Court of Trinidad and Tobago. Judgment 8 November 2023

Panday v Alexander

A Facebook Live broadcast led to a TT$850,000 High Court award; the case shows how Trinidad and Tobago courts value a reputation harmed online.