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Powerhouse attorneys appeared before Justice Westmin James in a case brought by Senior Customs Officer, Ian Haylock after he was passed up for promotion to Comptroller of Customs. Former Prime Minister Dean Barrow and former Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley explained that Haylock has been personally affected by this decision. Attorney Barrow added that Prime Minister’s Briceno’s advice to the Governor General on the appointment of a new Comptroller of Customs was completely flawed and was in violation of the constitution. Barrow went on to state that sufficient time was not given to the Public Services Commission as a letter was not sent to them until December 24 with a request for a response within five days. The attorney noted that this time given to the commission did not meet the constitutional requirement. The hearing concluded just after five o’clock this evening. We were able to meet with Attorney Darrell Bradley who explained that they are seeking a stay on the appointment of Estelle Leslie as the Comptroller of Customs.

CUSTOMS UPDATE 1
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Haylock’s attorneys are arguing that in the natural course of things he should have ascended to Comptroller based on seniority and qualification. As it relates to the consultation with the Public Services Commission, the Assistant Solicitor General Samantha Matute-Tucker argued that the commission had indicated that they had been non-functional for some time. In speaking with Attorney Darrell Bradley he explained that his client is hoping to get interim relief and that the matter is allowed to go to the Supreme Court for judicial review.

CUSTOMS UPDATE 2
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The case will resume on Tuesday, February 9. Representing the government in the case is Crown Counsel Jorge Matus while the appointed Customs Comptroller Estelle Leslie is represented by Attorney Andrew Marshalleck. /////