Trinidad and Tobago: Court Dismisses Ramsaran Director’s Request for Forex Allocation Details

This report covers trinidad tobago: court dismisses with key details and context.

The High Court of Trinidad and Tobago has dismissed a judicial review claim made by Rajnanan Ramsaran, a director of Ramsaran’s Dairy Products (RDP), against the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Finance regarding foreign exchange (forex) allocations over an eight-year period. Ramsaran sought access to various documents related to forex allocation policies, monitoring mechanisms, audit reports, and historical data from 2015 to 2023.

Ramsaran expressed concerns about the perceived inequitable distribution of foreign exchange in the country and had previously submitted freedom of information requests to the ministry, the Central Bank, the Auditor General, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His legal representation, attorney Richard Jaggasar, argued for declarations and orders compelling the ministry to provide the requested information.

In response, the ministry, represented by Senior Counsel Russell Martineau, contended that the documents Ramsaran sought did not exist. The ministry informed Ramsaran of his right to appeal to the Ombudsman under the Freedom of Information Act. Justice Joan Charles ruled that the ministry acted within its legal rights and did not breach its statutory duties.

trinidad tobago: court dismisses: key developments so far.

Justice Charles stated that a public authority cannot be compelled to create documents that do not exist. She noted that the ministry had responded to Ramsaran’s request before the claim was filed. The judge acknowledged a four-month delay in the ministry’s response but deemed it reasonable given the extensive nature of the request.

Consequently, the court dismissed Ramsaran’s claim, ordering each party to bear its own costs. This ruling highlights the legal framework surrounding freedom of information requests and the obligations of public authorities in Trinidad and Tobago.

Ramsaran’s pursuit of information reflects ongoing concerns regarding the allocation of foreign exchange in Trinidad and Tobago, a topic that has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including businesses and financial institutions. The court’s decision may influence future requests for information related to forex allocations and transparency in government operations.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Ramsaran and others concerned about forex distribution will respond to the court’s ruling and whether further legal action will be pursued. The implications of this case may extend beyond Ramsaran’s Dairy Products, potentially affecting other entities and individuals seeking similar information from government bodies.

In summary, the High Court’s dismissal of Ramsaran’s claim underscores the complexities involved in accessing government-held information and the legal protections afforded to public authorities in Trinidad and Tobago. The outcome of this case may serve as a precedent for future judicial reviews concerning freedom of information requests and the responsibilities of ministries in responding to such inquiries.