…And Musa’s case adjourned until February tenth

But while the matter may take some time for Magistrate Earl Jones to review, as far as the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Branker-Taitt, is concerned, the series of events to transfer the Venezuelan money from that country to where it ended up in Belize late 2007 is a clear cut case for a Supreme Court trial before a jury.

Cheryl-Lynn Branker-Taitt, D.P.P.
“It is very clear from the letter that was sent from the Prime Minister at the time on his letter head, giving directions for certain acts to be done and which in fact set in train what would still amount to theft at the end of the day was done within the jurisdiction. And any part of the Act that is done within the jurisdiction enables us then to charge as though the entire act was done.”

Jules Vasquez, Channel 7
“I don’t want to try the case but where did the property exist as at that time December twenty-fourth?”

Cheryl-Lynn Branker-Taitt
“That does not make a difference. The offence was complete, the agreement was signed, that letter was handed over and the funds were transferred.”

Jules Vasquez
“How do you answer the criticism that you have knowingly withheld evidence which would exculpate Mr. Musa?”

Cheryl-Lynn Branker-Taitt
“I have in my possession absolutely no evidence that can exculpate Mr. Musa.”

Jules Vasquez
“Senior Counsel Flowers says he has sent you such evidence.”

Cheryl-Lynn Branker-Taitt
“He has sent me no such evidence.”

Marion Ali
“What did he send you?”

Cheryl-Lynn Branker-Taitt
“He sent me two letters, I believe written by Ms Amalia Mai, which gave instructions as to what should be done with the money. And this would be based on the authority given to her in writing by Mr. Musa and a letter to the president of the bank, setting out exactly what should be done. On the submissions that were made and on the evidence that is in our possession I really do not see that a Magistrate can possibly fail to commit the accused to stand trial.”

Musa was charged on December fourth with Theft following a grant given by the government of Venezuela of ten million US dollars in December 2007. When he exited the courtroom in Belmopan today, he was greeted by a small group of supporters.