Justice Frank Seepersad yesterday set March 19 as the trial date for the $1.2 million lawsuit filed against former national security minister Jack Warner by his former personal assistant.
Fixing the matter for trial in the absence of Warner or his attorneys, Seepersad, presiding in the San Fernando High Court, said it was “extremely discourteous and unprofessional” that no explanation was forwarded to the court for their absence.
Seepersad, however, said the claimant, Imamuddin Baksh, had a right to have the matter proceeded with.
“The court will not allow this case to be dictated by the parties in the action,” the judge said.
The court directed Baksh’s attorney Senior Counsel Hendrickson Seunath to inform the defendants’ lawyers in writing of the court’s order.
The lawsuit was filed last October against Warner and the T&T Football Federation (TTFA).
Baksh, managing director of Graphix Advantage Ltd, is claiming that Warner in August 2010 instructed him to supply signage for the 2010 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Warner, he said, promised to pay with funds from the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
Baksh claimed Warner, who was then special adviser to the TTFF and chairman of the LOC, paid him $98,555 and failed to pay the remaining $1,262,413 owed. Warner also was then the works minister.
Baksh claimed in September 2010 he printed banners and posters and installed them at various stadiums.
Despite requests for the balance of the money, Baksh claimed Warner told him he had no more money and that Baksh should write off the debt.
Baksh claimed he was subsequently fired as Warner’s personal assistant.
Warner is being represented by attorney Om Lalla.