The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE criminal trial of Long Island MP Adrian Gibson and others continued yesterday, with the lead prosecutor frequently objecting to the defence’s line of questioning on the grounds of relevance.

Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier raised multiple objections as defence attorney Damian Gomez, KC, questioned Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) general manager Robert Deal about past correspondence with Mr Gibson regarding options for replacing a water tank.

Mr Deal requested to review an email to refresh his memory before clarifying that the correspondence sought guidance on available options rather than making a specific recommendation. He further testified that no contract resulted from the discussion.

Mr Gomez then turned to the tank’s condition, suggesting it was in a severe state of disrepair. Mr Deal acknowledged that it had structural defects and was leaking.

As the questioning continued, Ms Frazier objected again, arguing that the line of inquiry was irrelevant. The judge upheld her objection but allowed two additional questions on the topic.

When asked whether the tank in question was included in the Blue Hill tank painting project, Mr Deal said he was unaware of any such inclusion. He also confirmed that no funding was allocated for repairs through a Caribbean Development Bank loan at that time.

Mr Gomez then asked whether Mr Deal had approached Mr Gibson about including the tank in refurbishment plans after three other tanks had been repaired under the Blue Hill project. Mr Deal denied this, explaining that his communication with Mr Gibson was focused on addressing the tank’s urgent need for repairs, especially with hurricane season approaching.

The defence attorney also asked if this tank was the only one at the Blue Hill lower level not covered by the board resolution for repairs. Mr Deal confirmed that it was.

Mr Gomez later questioned Mr Deal about an email chain involving Mr Gibson and former WSC General Manager Leville, which he had been copied on. As the questioning continued, Ms Frazier objected once more, again citing relevance concerns.

She noted that she had allowed Mr Gomez to continue questioning but had yet to see its relevance to the proceedings.

Gibson has been on trial since November 2023 alongside former WSC General Manager Elwood Donaldson Jr., as well as Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson, and Jerome Missick. The charges relate to contracts awarded by the corporation while Ms Gibson served as WSC executive chairman.

Approximately ten prosecution witnesses remain to testify in the case.

The defendants are represented by Damian Gomez, KC, Murrio Ducille, KC, Geoffrey Farquharson, Ian Cargill, Bryan Bastian, Ryan Eve, and Raphael Moxey. The Crown’s legal team includes Cordell Frazier, Cashena Thompson, Karine MacVean, and Rashied Edgecombe.