On the eve of the Indian Arrival Day holiday yesterday, Enigma Events Limited, the company that operates the Indian Expo located obliquely opposite the Centre of Excellence in Macoya, Tunapuna, has been ordered by the High Court to stop conducting trade at the location by midnight on June 6.
Presiding at the Hall of Justice in Port-of- Spain, Justice Carol Gobin ruled that the company did not have approval from the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation (TPRC) to conduct business at the site and ordered them to cease and desist until it secures the necessary approvals.
The TPRC had taken legal action against Enigma Events, citing the building regulations which fall under its ambit.
Attorney for the company, Simon de la Bastide, instructed by Nyree Alfonso, agreed that his client did not have approval from the TPRC’s engineer, but argued that they lacked the required locus standi to facilitate the proceedings.
Justice Gobin had initially suggested the temporary operation of the Expo given the closeness of Indian Arrival Day, after which they would be required to seek the necessary approvals. However, after deliberations the company agreed to stop conducting business on the site by June 6 and to begin dismantling its structure by the following day
The company will seek the TPRC’s approval before recommencing any trade or business operations and has been ordered to pay their costs of $2,500.
Farai Hove Masaisai appeared for the TPRC in the matter which was heard on May 26.
The TPRC said it pursued the matter in the High Court to have the issue ventilated and adjudicated and to ensure all businesses in the region meet the required standards set out in the Municipal Corporation Act.
