Corruption trial part one concludes as judge considers evidence – Michael Misick et al up next

The Crown has closed its case against four accused in the SIPT corruption trial, following final statements by both sides which concluded last week.

The former Deputy Premier Floyd Hall, ex-government minister Jeffrey Hall, and attorneys Melbourne Wilson and Clayton Greene are now awaiting a verdict on their charges.

While ex-Premier Michael Misick, former minister McAllister Hanchell and attorney Chalmers Misick appeared in court this week as their trial prepares to get underway.

King’s Counsel Andrew Mitchell on Friday, June 16, had the final say in the Hall trial – as provided by Section 42 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinancepointed to repeated court filings by the defence that the Crown has not proved its case.

“We remain firmly of the view that we have put forward a substantive allegation in respect of conspiracy [and bribery] and I don't mean a substantive offense, but the substantive allegation of conspiracy in respect of those counts on the indictment one, two and four,” Mitchell told the court.

The Prosecutor outlined that though the evidence may not have been “compelling” as suggested by the defense, it is good evidence to the point of conviction that chief defendant Floyd Hall was prepared to put aside his fiduciary duties, which he undertook through his oath, for his own personal gain and that of his friends and family.

Mitchell also addressed defence’s submissions that the trial was racially motivated, outright rejecting the suggestion.

“To argue that because X was not prosecuted, I am innocent is not an answer to the allegations. That is not an answer to the evidence.”

Pointing to defence counsel’s suggestion that the decision to prosecute his client was based on his background and birth, the prosecutor stated, “we wholly reject that”.

He said any inference that the proceedings were racially motivated are “wholly rejected” and unsupported by the defense.

Since the beginning of the trial several years ago (December 2015), defence counsel have argued that the matters in the trial date back to the early 2000s, and recollection by both the defendants and witnesses would

Pastor Cox dies in the Dominican ...

CONTINUED

Caicos Islands.

The news of her departure has left a deep void in the local church community as her passion for spreading the Gospel touched the lives of countless individuals through her Ministry over the years.

Tributes have poured in from family, friends, and congregation members, who described her sudden passing as an “unbelievable and shocking loss”.

Pastor Ruth Adams Ariza said in a Facebook post, “My heart is so broken and saddened by the death of this mighty and anointed [Woman of GOD] WOG, Pastor

Charmaine Cox.

“It hasn’t settled in as yet, it seems so unreal, I’m so lost for words…Deepest sympathy to Bishop Bryant Cox and his entire family and church family, I feel your pain, may Abba comfort and strengthen you all.”

Gertrude Saunders-Forbes wrote: “To Bishop Bryant Cox, Brenesha Cox-Lightbourne, the Boys and the entire family, words seem inadequate, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sorrowful time. I’m wishing you courage to face the days ahead and loving memories of Pastor Charmaine Cox to hold in your hearts forever.”

Gloria Donald said: “Pastor Charmaine Cox’s legacy is one of strength, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to serving the Lord.

“Rest peacefully, beloved Pastor Charmaine Cox, knowing that your work on earth has left an indelible imprint on the souls you touched. Your memory will live on, forever cherished and celebrated in our hearts.” not be clear.

However, in his closing, the Prosecution pointed to several instances where the recollection of witnesses, and especially defendant Floyd Hall, appeared to be quite vivid.

Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang now has the case and is tasked – as judge and jury - to consider the evidence presented in relation to three conspiracy to defraud charges, one bribery charge and another of concealing the proceeds of criminal conduct against Floyd Hall, Jeffery Hall, Melbourne Wilson and Clayton Greene.

In all three of the conspiracy charges, chief defendant Floyd Hall is alleged to have conspired with former Premier Michael Misick to defraud the TCI.

In the bribery charge, Floyd Hall is alleged to have accepted inducements directly or indirectly from Richard Padgett and related and connected entities by unlawful corrupt payments or other rewards while he was a minister of government.

In one of the three charges Floyd Hall, Jeffrey Hall and Melbourne Wilson allegedly conspired with Michael Misick, Lillian Boyce, Samuel Been, Quinton Hall and Earlson Robinson in a North West Point land deal.

In this land deal, ex-minister Jeffrey Hall is alleged to have used a company named Urban Development to purchase land and then sell it immediately to Canadian developer David Wex.

The fifth count names Clayton Greene, alleging he concealed or disguised the proceeds of criminal conduct committed by Floyd Hall.

(DELANA ISLES)