NBVI offers settlement in Hon. Fahie lawsuit appeal
High Court judge, Vicki Ann Ellis, previously ruled against a claim made by Hon. Fahie and Ms Petra Benjamin after a shooting incident which took place during an armed robbery at the Bank on August 15, 2007.
Justice Ellis ruled that Hon. Fahie and Ms Benjamin, who had both been injured in the incident, pay the Bank’s court costs of $7500 after thier claim had been thrown out.
Attorney Paul Webster, QC represented the NBVI’s interest in the matter.
Justice Davidson Baptiste announced that the appeal against the High Court decision was withdrawn and that there will be no order as to costs incurred by either party.
Afterwards, Hon. Fahie told reporters that there was no specific offer made by the NBVI and added that attorneys for the two sides needed to work out logistics. His decision to agree to a settlement offer, he related, was based on the advice of his attorney, Mr Terrence Neale of McW Todman and Co.
Hon. Fahie stated that he did not see the offer as any sort of victory and noted that there was no sense of vindication involved. He offered that it showed a respect for the judicial system and said the law took its course. “The best decision has been made by all parties and I respect that at the end of the day,” Hon. Fahie stated.
According to the legislator, there is no sense of victory when one is carrying around elements of the past in their body for life, “there is never a true victory other than to thank God for life,” he said, “some of the [bullet] fragments will remain with me for life and with [Ms Benjamin] so this is not a victory to be out shouting hurrah, hurrah.”
Hon. Fahie also agreed that although the concept was not popular with Police Officers and within certain spheres in the Territory, once they are trained then officers should be armed to act as a deterrent to the prevention of similar crimes. “I do feel that at least some of them should have or carry firearms,” he stated.
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