By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
Day 45 of the election fraud trial came to an unexpected standstill on Tuesday after concerns were raised over whether all evidence had been properly disclosed to the defence.
The matter, which is being heard before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, was adjourned to allow both sides additional time to resolve the disclosure dispute.
On Monday, prosecution witness Bibi Anieshaw Mohamed testified about a June 23, 2020, live broadcast conducted by former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, during which he presented observation reports and declared total votes. Mohamed told the court that Lowenfield issued two separate declarations, neither of which matched the Statements of Poll or Statements of Recount in her possession.
She informed the court that a spreadsheet referenced in her witness statement contained the data she relied on and had already been disclosed to the defence.
However, defence attorneys Eusi Anderson and Dexter Todd questioned whether the recording of the broadcast had ever been formally entered into evidence, claiming the material was absent from the disclosure they received. The Prosecution maintained that flash drives with the recordings were previously handed over, but Anderson insisted key items were missing and submitted a list of outstanding material.
Given the longstanding disagreement, the Prosecution provided a detailed disclosure list to the court so the defence could verify what they have and identify any remaining gaps.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to November 26, when Mohamed is expected to resume her testimony.
Nine individuals remain before the court in relation to the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, including former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former CEO Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former PNCR Chairperson Volda Lawrence, and activist Carol Smith-Joseph, along with four GECOM staff members.
The defendants face 19 conspiracy-related charges, and the Prosecution has indicated it will call approximately 73 witnesses before the trial concludes.
