A major legal blow for former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, as the High Court has ordered full disclosure of the attorneys he hired and the legal fees paid in connection with the Paria diving tragedy Commission of Enquiry.
In a landmark ruling, Justice Joan Charles condemned Dr. Rowley for withholding information and ruled that he breached the Freedom of Information Act.
The Court accepted arguments from activist Marsha Walker’s attorney, Anand Ramlogan SC, that Dr. Rowley’s refusal to reveal the names and payments of lawyers was unlawful.
Justice Charles said the former Prime Minister had a legal requirement to the court and dismissed his claim that disclosure could endanger the attorneys.
The Office of the Prime Minister has been ordered to release the full list of names and payments within seven days and pay Ms Walker’s legal costs.
Dr. Rowley was represented by Russell Martineau SC, while Ms. Walker was represented by Anand Ramlogan SC.