Mike Menjivar’s Case Against G.O.B./G.S.U. Dismissed…
A claim against the Government of Belize filed by businessman Mike Menjivar, proprietor of La Cabana Restaurant and Bar, was dismissed this morning in the Supreme Court. The protracted legal battle followed a raid on Menjivar’s residence in Belmopan in May 2011. The lawsuit fell apart today when his attorney failed to comply with specific directives given by Justice Michelle Arana. Menjivar was seeking compensation for damage to property resulting from a firefight with members of the Gang Suppression Unit during the predawn sweep of his residence while his family was asleep. While the matter has been discharged, Menjivar told the media this afternoon that it is not the end of his pursuit for compensation.
Miguel Menjivar, Suit Against G.O.B. Dismissed
“It’s not the end of the case. …We had an adjournment the last time for this date and from that day we got to know that the person representing the GSU which is Gongora was not going to be here for this date. So because of that the case was not all, we didn’t fight the case or something. Actually today was just the lawyer inside, we were outside and not much was done today. I spoke to the lawyer and he said that he’s still continuing organizing the files to continue the case. The case didn’t get dropped; I mean we’re going to keep behind it, fighting it until we get to the end that we all want to see, to know what’s going to happen at the conclusion of this case. So today it didn’t advance that much towards where we wanted to bring it, but yeah the lawyer’s working on the files, the other files they are asking for and we’re going to be getting another date.”
Miguel Menjivar
Reporter
“Sir, but our understanding was that it was thrown out so if that is accurate it would mean that your attorney would have to bring an entire new claim form, an entire new case.”
Miguel Menjivar
“Well like I told you, I was not in today. I didn’t hear that. So yes, my lawyer told me that he’s going to be working on the files, putting together all the files, file them over again I guess. The same files, we’ll bring them back in and get a date for court. I don’t understand much, you know I’m new in this thing and I don’t understand much. There are some questions that the lawyer would have a better answer for you guys.”
Reporter
“But I’m just trying to get from you, are you still committed to fighting this case?”
Miguel Menjivar
“Up to now we’re supposed to be out of this already. So in our case we’re the clients, we’re the victims [in] this case, all we have to do is wait and be behind our lawyers and make sure they are fighting correct. So yes, actually we will never give up.”
