It has been over a decade since Leroy Parris, the former Executive Chairman of CLICO Holdings Barbados, was first accused of misappropriating $3.3 million from the failed insurance company. Despite the seriousness of the charges and the public demand for closure, the case remains unresolved mainly because it has been paused by an order of the High Court. Last Friday we learned that Judge Michelle Weekes reserved judgment in the matter. The vigil to see a conclusion to this matter continues.
The CLICO collapse in 2009 marked a catastrophic financial failure in Barbados, leaving thousands of Barbadian policyholders in abeyance. Many saw their life savings and retirement investments inaccessible. Questions then surfaced about a January 2009 payment of Bds $3.3 million to Parris via Branlee Consulting Services, processed through the then-active law firm Thompson & Associates, headed by David Thompson – who was later elected Prime Minister and passed away in 2010.
Though the invoice labeled the payment as legal fees, a forensic audit by Deloitte concluded it was a gratuity for Parris. The law firm which organised under new management after Thompson’s death in May 2010, has publicly distanced itself from the transaction, stating it was not the same entity that issued the invoice.
In 2013 a Judicial Manager filed a civil claim to recover the funds. In 2023, Parris was formally charged with theft, conspiracy to defraud, and money laundering. Magistrate Manila Renee committed him to stand trial after a preliminary hearing. But to be expected in little Barbados, Parris’s legal team challenged the ruling via judicial review, and in April 2024, the High Court granted an injunction halting the criminal prosecution.
Judge Michelle Weekes ruled that there were “serious issues to be tried” regarding the fairness of the committal process—particularly the magistrate’s alleged failure to weigh unchallenged evidence, including a statement from CLICO’s former CEO Thornhill – his bosom buddy – asserting that no money was missing. Weekes ruled that allowing the case to proceed before resolving these legal questions would “more gravely prejudice” Parris than the State. The blogmaster is not aware of a fixed trial to hear the matter. Until last week’s announcement by Judge Weekes the matter has been floating on the court calendar. It is no wonder this legal go-around has deepened public distrust in the judiciary and raised serious questions about whether the process is being manipulated by some with influence.
All Barbadian’s must be able to access justice but the optics of this case – a politically connected executive appearing to avoid prosecution for over a decade – triggers questions that we must ask. Many Barbadians now believe that the rich and powerful can escape the consequences of their actions simply by ‘gaming’ the system. There is Rodney Wilkinson’s case, who was Owen Arthur’s buddy, also languishing in the system or was it tossed out.
Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.