-by Kimberly Giddings
Sharp words echoed through the courtroom today as lead prosecutor Terrence Williams lashed out at defence lawyers, accusing them of turning a minor procedural issue into a calculated delay tactic in Mohamed’s extradition case.
Lead Prosecutor Terence Williams made the remarks during Wednesday’s hearing after disclosing that a statement from Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd is part of the prosecution’s case.
Defense counsel objected, saying they had not received the statement, and requested an adjournment to review the newly disclosed material, which was reportedly emailed by Glenn Hanoman at about 1:00 a.m. on January 8.
Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman granted the adjournment, rescheduling the extradition hearing for February 5 and 6, and warned, “This is not a game of chess; there will be no jumping.”
She ruled that the disclosure would be final and that no further disclosures would be permitted.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Williams said, “We do what we need to do to put forward the case, and there are times you have to react to what occurs in court but the court makes orders and we abide by those orders. This is a big song and dance over a very trivial formal issue and a lot has been made by the defence council regarding it but in the long run, all things will prevail.”
When asked whether the statement from Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd was evidential or diplomatic, lead prosecutor Williams said it was a statutory requirement under the Extradition Act.
He explained that the minister’s statement is a formal legal act, satisfied through the issuance of a certificate confirming the existence of an extradition arrangement between Guyana and the United States.
Williams noted that the validity of this arrangement has been upheld by the courts on numerous occasions and that the statement provides the legal basis for that confirmation.
Asked about timelines, Williams said there was no rigid schedule but emphasized that counsel have a duty to conduct proceedings efficiently and make responsible use of court resources.
“The expeditious treatment of matters inures to the benefit of the defendant, the courts and to the system of justice on a whole but it also must be balance as it regards to fairness to the defendant – giving them a proper chance to prepare their case,” Williams added.
The matter was adjourned to February 5 and 6, with proceedings set to resume at 9:00 a.m. on both days.
At the next hearing, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, is expected to testify.