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, and awarded US$30,000 in non-pecuniary damages. The judgment stands as binding regional authority on the rights of CARICOM nationals.

High Court. 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.

High Court. Judgment 5 September 2024

Moonilal v Rowley, Trinidad Express and Lyder

Defamation claim against the Trinidad Express and its Editor-in-Chief dismissed with costs. Mrs Justice Carol Gobin held that the two impugned passages bore no defamatory meaning. Justin Phelps SC appeared for the Express and Ms Omatie Lyder.

High Court. Judgment 8 November 2023

Mickela Panday v Phillip Edward Alexander

First-instance award in CV2020-02580. Mr Justice Rampersad awarded TT$600,000 general damages, TT$250,000 exemplary damages and TT$97,750 costs for defamatory statements broadcast on Facebook Live during the 2020 general election cycle. Justin Phelps SC led for the claimant.

Magistrates' Court. Discontinued 6 March 2023

DPP v Panday, John and Galbaransingh

The Director of Public Prosecutions discontinued the long-running prosecution of former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday and his co-accused over the construction of the Piarco International Airport, the matter having been listed for trial before Magistrate Adia Mohammed. Justin Phelps, appearing with Chase Pegus for the Panday interests, had written to the Director seeking reasons for continuing the prosecution. Justin Phelps had earlier served as counsel to the 2003 Commission of Enquiry into the airport's construction.

High Court. Interim order 29 June 2021

Authentic Builders General Hardware Ltd v Harnarine

Interim freezing injunction granted by Mr Justice Robin Mohammed pending a forensic audit, in proceedings arising from the affairs of the former Hindu Credit Union. Justin Phelps SC appeared for the claimants, instructed by Mr Gary Hannays.

Court of Appeal. Consent order 25 November 2015

Nicholas and Mora Ven Holdings Ltd v Persad

A thirteen-year corporate battle over Mora Oil Ventures, a company whose assets exceeded one hundred million dollars, was brought to an end by consent before Chief Justice Ivor Archie and 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 and Associates, led by Gilbert Peterson SC.