The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has withdrawn and discontinued its contempt proceedings against a number of Government officials over their failure to comply with an order of court in relation to the remittance of union dues of teachers.

The GTU’s case stemmed from a judgment by High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon who  had ordered the officials of the Government to continue to deduct the union dues of teachers for the Guyana Teachers’ Union. The issue had its genesis in the strike action by teachers last year.

Earlier this month, the Attorney General filed a Notice of Application to strike out the contempt of Court proceedings on a number of technical grounds including the failure to follow mandatory procedures to serve the contempt applications on those named.

Additionally, the Attorney General contended that the contempt application was made more than one year after the time of the alleged contempt and that the contempt of Court proceedings cannot be instituted against the State unless there is compliance with certain provisions contained in the State Liability and Proceedings Act.

At a hearing last week, an oral request was made for Justice Sandil Kissoon to recuse himself from the contempt proceedings, as the subject judgment was handed down by him previously.

Justice Kissoon, acceded to this request and adjourned the hearing pending the reassignment of the matter by the Chief Justice

Mr. Nandlall said he was subsequently served with a notice withdrawing and discontinuing the contempt proceedings altogether.

The Government’s appeal of the earlier Court rulings remain in place.

The Attorney General appeared in person along with Darshan Ramdhani KC, Deputy Solicitor General Shoshanna V. Lall, Principal Legal Advisor, Ronetta Sargent-Prince and State Counsel Omar Hoppie and Ron Austin.

Related posts:

Justice Sandil Kissoon recuses himself from hearing contempt proceedings over Union dues deduction order GTU and GTUC file contempt proceedings against Govt. officials over failure to remit union dues as ordered by Court Nandlall plans further appeal of GTU fees deduction case Nandlall withdraws contempt case against GECOM officials