Another day of heated exchanges erupted in the ongoing 2020 election fraud trial at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, this time involving Defence Attorney Nigel Hughes and prosecution witness Anieshaw Mohamed, forcing the matter to break early for lunch.
Mohamed was being cross-examined by Hughes in relation to spreadsheet evidence she created during the March 2020 elections when tensions escalated. The witness claimed that counsel was attempting to misrepresent her testimony, prompting Hughes to respond that he has been practicing longer than she has been alive and warned against accusations of disingenuousness.
Mohamed then objected, stating that she could not be labeled in that manner, to which Hughes replied that he had made his assertion. She repeated her objection.
The Magistrate quickly intervened, urging both parties to avoid descending into heated exchanges. She reminded Mohamed that from the start of the trial she had been instructed to listen carefully to the questions and respond accordingly. She added that if the witness did not understand a question, she should seek clarification through the court rather than engaging in back-and-forth with counsel.
The witness then told the court that counsel was repeatedly referring to exhibits, changing questions, and attempting to bind her to certain responses.
Hughes, in response, stated that he is entitled to ask questions and refer to documents. He added that the prosecution team has the opportunity to object if they believe he is being unfair, or to address issues during re-examination, but insisted he would not be directed by a witness.
King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani, one of the prosecutors, acknowledged that tensions had escalated, noting that counsel may have said something inappropriate and that the witness was clearly upset, adding that such exchanges should not occur in any matter.
Magistrate McGusty suggested a 15-minute break to allow tempers to cool and for her to review the recording. However, the court ultimately adjourned the matter for lunch.
Several individuals remain before the court in connection with the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, including former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers.
Also charged are former PNCR Chairperson Volda Lawrence, PNCR activist Carol Smith-Joseph, along with GECOM staff members Enrique Livan, Michelle Miller, Sheffern February, and Denise Babb-Cummings.
The charges stem from investigations into alleged attempts to manipulate the results of the March 2020 elections. In total, the accused face 19 conspiracy charges.
