The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net


 IF the Government chooses to act on yesterday’s ruling by the Chief Justice it could set itself up for further legal action, an attorney for several web shop oerators warned.

Wayne Munroe told Tribune Business that he had filed an application for a stay of Sir Michael Barnett’s ruling, which lifted the conservatory order stopping the police from shutting down or otherwise interfering with web shops. An appeal of that ruling is expected to be heard on Friday.

Speaking late yesterday afternoon, Mr Munroe said the matter was far from over and that he was seeking to expedite the process to have the substantial case heard.

“I guess it all comes down to gambling. In every case you have two possible outcomes. You can win or you can lose,” he told Tribune Business.

“If the Government messes with my client it would be because they are betting that my clients would lose. If they win, however, the Government would then be liable to pay damages, and that would be money coming out of the pockets of you and I, the taxpayers.”

Mr Munroe is representing Island Game, Island Luck, FML, Asue Draw, Whattfall and Chances.

Prime Minister Perry Christie refused to give any extensive comment on the matter yesterday, noting when pressed for comment that he had not had the chance to review the judgment.

“I presume that unless there is an appeal put in by those who the judgment affected, the judgment would be enforced in the usual way,” he said.

“For me I would want to be briefed on the judgment. My position is on the record and has been referred to in the case itself. Once the court rules clearly on the law there is no confusion as to what is to be expected. If the web shops have been ruled to be an illegal and illicit activity, then they have to act accordingly. There is nothing for me to do or say, the position reverts back to the original position we had adopted.”

Following a January referendum on web shop gaming, the Prime Minister Perry Christie had announced that all web shops must close with immediate effect.