3 weeks ago, we told you about the appointment of Estelle Leslie as the new Comptroller of Customs.
She's been with the department for 32 years, and Prime Minister and Minister of Finance John Briceno selected her as the first woman to hold the office of Comptroller.
But, as we told you, reports were that her senior colleague, Ian Haylock felt that he was unfairly passed over. His argument is that he should have gotten the post based on seniority and qualification. He has since gone to the Supreme Court to formally complain by bringing a lawsuit against the Prime Minister and the Attorney General's ministry. He is applying to the court for permission to bring a judicial review claim.
Haylock has retained the services of no less than former Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the former Belize City Mayor and Senate President, Darrell Bradley.
This afternoon, Justice Westmin James presided over a preliminary, virtual hearing on the matter in which Leslie's attorney, Senior Counsel E. Andrew Marshalleck, argued that she should join the case as an interested party. Barrow objected to Leslie's application on Haylock's behalf.
At this time, the case is adjourned until Wednesday afternoon.
Crown Counsel Jorge Matus is representing the Attorney General's Ministry and Prime Minister.
