Magistrate orders Jagdeo not to leave Guyana without permission

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo was on Tuesday barred from leaving Guyana without the court’s permission during his trial for a private criminal matter brought against him.

The order was handed down by magistrate Charlyn Artiga, when Jagdeo belatedly appeared before her at the Whim Magistrate’s Court in Berbice.

Jagdeo, who was a no-show when the matter was first called a few weeks ago, turned up today in time to avoid an arrest warrant being issued for him.

When the matter was called Tuesday, the former president was again absent and the matter was briefly adjourned to give him time.

It was called a second time and again Jagdeo was not there to answer to the charge. One of his attorneys, senior counsel Bernard De Santos, informed the magistrate that Jagdeo was on his way.

The magistrate then informed the lawyer that she was giving the former head of state 30 minutes to show up, or an arrest warrant would be issued.Jagdeo eventually arrived at the court at 11:30 hours.

He was promptly placed in the prisoners’ dock, as the indictable charge was read to him by magistrate Artiga.

It is alleged that on March 8 at Babu Jaan, Berbice, Jagdeo made statements contrary to section 139 D (1) a of the Representation of the People Act Chapter 103, as amended by Act number one of 2001.

The charge was brought by prominent chartered accountant, attorney-at-law Christopher Ram.

Former Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, who is also a part of Jagdeo’s defence team, made an application for bail, stating that the former president is well known and is not a flight risk.

The prosecution did not object to bail and magistrate Artiga then sent Jagdeo on self bail, but with conditions.

Magistrate Artiga ordered that Jagdeo should not leave the jurisdiction without the permission of the court.

She ordered that should he have to attend to any emergency overseas, his lawyers must make contact with attorneys from the other side.