The Port-of-Spain City Corporation and property developer Alfred Galy have been given a little over two weeks to come to a compromise over the future of the Greyfriars’ Church of Scotland, Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain. The parties, who have been locked in legal battle since Galy began demolition work on the property in November last year, met at the Hall of Justice yesterday for a status hearing of the corporation’s ongoing injunction preventing work on the over 200-year-old church.
Minutes after appearing before Justice Judith Jones, the parties and their respective legal teams exited the court began impromptu discussions. Members of the media present were not allowed in court as the hearing was held in chamber. Despite their best efforts an agreement could not have been struck immediately, forcing the parties to seek an extension from Jones.
The T&T understands that Galy is requesting that the injunction be varied to allow his company to use a portion of the property where the church hall previously stood before the demolition began. The corporation is reportedly resisting the move as it claims Galy is yet to submit a plan for the removal of hazardous asbestos found on the site.
Commenting briefly afterwards, the corporation’s lawyer Kerwin Garcia said the parties had made significant headway in their discussions. “We expect to be completed by the next hearing,” Garcia said. The case has been adjourned to February 11, when the parties are expected to indicate the outcome to Jones. The corporation is also being represented by Senior Counsel John Jeremie and Kahaya Nanhu while Ronald Dowlat and Anthony Manwah represent Galy and his company, NABCO.