The Tribune

THE trial of three ministers accused of getting into a scuffle on the pulpit following a succession battle for church leadership has been adjourned to March 8.

Bishop Michael Symonette, 31, church minister Levano Moss, 46, and church board member Zendel Stubbs, 53, who are all on $1,000 self-signed bail, appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when the prosecution was expected to present its last witness.

However, Symonette’s attorney, Ramona Farquharson-Seymour, sent a letter to the court asking for an adjournment because she was engaged in an ongoing attempted murder trial in Supreme Court.

The adjournment was granted and the trial is scheduled to resume March 8.

The three ministers each face a charge of disorderly behaviour in a place of divine worship. All three denied the accusation and pleaded not guilty at their arraignment.

It is claimed that on Sunday, September 23, 2012, the three men committed the offence at the St Charles Vincent Street church during a morning service.

The row allegedly occurred around 8am, minutes into the service, following the announcement that Symonette was chosen by church members to succeed his late father, Bishop Elkin Symonette, as bishop over Minister Moss.
Attorney Michael Kemp represents Moss and Stubbs while Symonette is represented by Mrs Farquharson-Seymour.
Magistrate Guilimina Archer is presiding over the matter.