Expulsion from political party matter returns to court on December 5

FIVE executive members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) are to return to court in December to begin their defence in a civil matter contesting the expulsion of ten members at the party’s September 30, 2012 annual convention.

The matter, which was heard in court for the first time last Friday, was adjourned to December 5 in an effort to give the defendants more time to respond to what the complainant said is “against the constitution of the Party”.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Karl Hood, said that he has taken the matter to court because the action at the convention is inconsistent with the party’s constitution. “I felt what was done was unjust, it’s against the constitution of the Party, it’s against natural justice,” said Hood, who resigned in May claiming unfair personal treatment.

“This action is for the court to determine the constitutionality of the expulsion, for the court to decide whether or not it was a fair and just process,” he said.

Former Environment Minister, Michael Church, who resigned in October 2010, said that he is also “seriously contemplating” taking legal action against the executive of the party because he had publicly distanced himself from the work of the party in 2011, but somehow those who presented the resolution had to include his name.

“In my case, not only is it unfair and unjust, but I felt there was malicious intent. One of the persons who became an executive member was begging me to attend the meeting, claiming that things are different and we should all work together, only to learn that I was expelled, so I believe his intention was to bring me there to publicly embarrass me in person,” Church said.

The other members expelled were: Member of Parliament for the Town of St. George and former Tourism Minister, Peter David; Member of Parliament for St. Patrick West and former Works Minister, Joseph Gilbert; Member of Parliament for St. George’s South and former Labour Minister, Glynis Roberts; former Culture Minister, Arley Gill; former Party Chairman, Kenrick Fullerton; former Deputy Chairman of the Party, Stanford Simon; former Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Siddiqui Sylvester; and ordinary member Chester Humphrey.

The Executive members named in the lawsuit are: Political Leader Tillman Thomas; Deputy Political Leader Nazim Burke; Chairman Franka Bernardine; Deputy Chairman Ken Joseph; and General Secretary Bernard Isaac. Their lawyers are Claudette Joseph and Alban John.

Legal Counsel for Karl Hood is Cajeton Hood. (LS)