The High Court has ordered CEPEP contractor Stephen Samuel Enterprises Limited to pay just under $260,000 in legal costs after the company discontinued its claim to block the termination of its CEPEP contract.
The contractor was seeking nearly $4.8 million in damages, but the case was withdrawn after it was discovered the company had been struck off the Companies Registry since February 2025.
“High Court Judge the Hon Madam Justice Marissa Robertson ruled that Samuel the company was ordered to pay CEPEP’s costs because of its conduct. In delivering her ruling, the Court was critical of the rush to file the claim and said that “pre-action protocol proceedings ought to have been pursued in a meaningful manner,” a release from CEPEP stated.
Evidence revealed controversial contract extensions based on a false claim of Cabinet approval.
Justice Marissa Robertson criticised the rushed filing and the failure to properly follow pre-action procedures.
“…there was no material difference if the Claimant had provided the Defendant with a longer period, perhaps twenty-four (24) hours, to consider the proposed litigation. If the claim was delayed by one (1) day, there was not a material difference to the Claimant’s circumstances. In fact, the Claimant would have gained an opportunity or time to refer to the Companies Registry and to review if the status of the Company under the Companies Registry,” Justice Robertson stated.
CEPEP stated that it was pleased it was vindicated in the matter and maintains that the decision extends to all CEPEP contracts on the false premise that Cabinet has authorized this, is a cause for great concern.
“It was a gross misrepresentation that was perpetuated upon the company and the people. The Company is therefore committed to seeking justice against those responsible for this fiasco and intends to consult its line minister, the Honourable Minister Barry Padarath on these matters. Anyone guilty of breaching their fiduciary duty and responsibility to CEPEP should face the full brunt of the law and CEPEP is committed to leaving no stone unturned in its quest for justice,” CEPEP stated.
