David and Tony Novelo on a bumpy road in Supreme Court

In the courts, Acting Chief Justice Samuel Awich today dismissed an application for judicial review filed by brothers David and Tony Novelo in November, 2008.  In his decision Awich cited that the Transport Board was not given sufficient notice of intended action by National Transport.  The proprietors of National Transport were seeking a revision of the road service permits issued by the Transport Department arguing that the permits were issued illegally.  The basis of their argument was that the board failed to conduct adequate consultations with the company prior to implementing the new schedules.  While the case meandered through the Supreme Court for a little over two years, today’s decision to throw out the request was the result of National Transport’s failure to notify the Transport Board at least one month in advance that it would be filing for a judicial review.  In 2008, Novelo’s Bus Service which was owned and operated by the siblings was declared insolvent and went into receivership.  They then formed National Transport Service Ltd. which remained in business for two years before also going bankrupt.  They were represented by attorney Lisa Shoman and attorney Anthony Sylvester was present for the ruling today.