Justice Claudette La Bennett heard the Ex Parte application by way of an affidavit for an interim injunction prepared by Attorney-at-law, Miss Gaumattie Singh, on behalf of the applicant.

Judge La Bennett had ordered the Canadian-based Guyanese, who wanted to leave the country, to lodge US$2,000 with the Registrar before leaving Guyana. The order was complied with and the action is pending.

In his affidavit of defence, Sharma said, “I have never represented to anyone and more specifically Ms. Shaw, the Plaintiff herein, that I will obtain a visa for her at a price or within a specific time, as the general period I informed the clients for the processing of their application is from nine months to twelve months.

“The money paid to me was never to provide the Plaintiff with a visa but, as a registered professional immigration consultant with the Canadian authorities, to deal with the Plaintiff’s application for the purpose of obtaining from the immigration authorities, if they are satisfied with the details and requirements, a visa.

“On several occasions, I requested of the plaintiff to give further information as requested by the authorities, but to no avail.”

Sharma’s affidavit in defence went on to state, “I am advised by counsel and verily believe that I have a good and valid defence to the entire claim filed herein and that the Plaintiff does owe me outstanding sums of money for work done by me for which I intend to file a counter claim as advised by my Attorney-at-law.

“In the circumstance, I am asking the Honourable Court for leave to defend this matter with further pleadings.”

The affidavit on behalf of Sharma was drawn up by Attorneys-at-law, Mr. Jailall Tiwari Kissoon, Miss Renée R. Kissoon, S. Kissoon and Mr. Rishi R. Kissoon.

Attorney-at-Law, Miss Gaumattie Singh, for the Plaintiff, is objecting to the filing of further pleadings.

Thursday, August 25, 2005