BETHANY CHAMBERS
Advocate Attorneys at Law
ABOUT US
Bethany Chambers was established in October 2008 and is a specialist advocates' chambers. Originally set up by Andre des Vignes (before his elevation to the High Court and thereafter the Court of Appeal) and Ian L Benjamin SC, its focus is on excellence in advocacy in all forms of dispute resolution - civil litigation, arbitration, mediation, judicial settlement conferencing and expert determination and in all forms of investigative processes such as Commissions of Inquiry, ad hoc Investigations and specialist tribunals. Our advocate attorneys have strategic depth of experience in construction, financial regulation, company, banking and insurance matters; in family disputes and occupational health and safety and industrial relations matters; in challenging administrative and constitutional law matters. Several of the members of Bethany have teaching experience at the Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad or at the Faculty of Law, St. Augustine, University of the West Indies. All members undertake appearances as advocates before the local High Court and the Court of Appeal, the High Courts of the CARICOM region and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, the Caribbean Court of Justice and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Ian L Benjamin SC
After Ian completed his pupillage in London, England he returned to Trinidad where he worked for three years as State Counsel in the Solicitor-General’s Department of the Ministry of Justice. Since then he has worked for the most part in sole practice as an advocate attorney-at-law specialising in civil litigation. Breaks came in February 2000 when he took a sabbatical for 18 months to pursue his LLM at the University of Sydney, preparing a thesis on libel/defamation, and in 2005 when he took up a temporary six months’ appointment as a High Court judge.
Ian practises primarily in the broad commercial areas of banking, financial regulation, insolvency, insurance, professional negligence and contentious pension and tax and construction disputes. In addition, he undertakes significant public law work including Commissions of Enquiry. He is well-regarded for his strategic advice and advocacy, particularly in appellate work and has made several appearances before the Privy Council. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is a CEDR Mediator. He also accepts appointments as an arbitrator and has appeared in several ICC and ad hoc arbitrations.
He is one of the founding members of Bethany Chambers.
Call to Bar England & Wales 1988
Member, Honourable Society of Middle Temple
Call to Bar Trinidad & Tobago 1989
Call to Bar Dominica 2008
Call to Bar Grenada 2013
Call to Bar Anguilla 2016
Call to Bar St Vincent & the Grenadines 2024
Call to Bar British Virgin Islands 2026
CEDR Trained Mediator 2011
CIArb Member 2017
Door Tenant Fountain Court Chambers, London, England
BA (Cantab.) 1986
LLM (Cantab.) 1987
LLM (Univ of Sydney) 2002
Other interests:
Chairman of United Way Trinidad & Tobago;
Director of Trinidad Karate Association;
Director of Foundation for Human Development;
Director of Republic Bank Financial Holdings Ltd.
Recent cases:
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Charles Edward Porter and another v Robert Stokes (Personal Representative of the Estate of Walter Edward Stokes, deceased) [2023] UKPC 11: property, whether the Court of Appeal was wrong to overturn the High Court's decision to reject a claim for rectification of a deed on the ground of common mistake.
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Rollin Clifton Bertrand and 2 others v Anthony Elias [2023] UKPC 34: procedure, civil proceedings rules, Court of Appeal setting aside trial judge's decision re award of costs.
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Dr Kongsheik Achong Low v Brian Lezama (Administrator of the Estate of Karen Lezama, Deceased) [2022] UKPC 15: medical negligence.
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The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago v Maritime Life (Caribbean) Ltd [2022] UKPC 37: constitutional law, whether a sale of insurance portfolios was a purely commercial transaction not amenable to judicial review.
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Director of Public Prosecutions v Chris Durham also called Bouye (deceased) and 2 others [2024] UKPC 21: constitutional law, judicial review of decisions of the DPP to continue the prosecutions of the Respondents.
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Marcia Ayers-Caesar v The Judicial and Legal Service Commission [2025] UKPC 15: public law, constitutional law, whether the Judicial and Legal Services Commission acted in breach of s137 of the Constitution in procuring the Appellant's resignation as a High Court Judge.
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Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (Respondent) v Waterworks Ltd (Appellant) [2025] UKPC 9: contract, interpretation of clause in design and construction contracts entitling a contractor to obtain reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred prior to termination.
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Gordon Winter Company Ltd (Respondent) v NH International (Caribbean) Ltd [2025] UKPC 52: commercial contract,whether pleading a case solely on the basis of quantum meruit – and on the absence of a contract – precludes the award of damages for breach of contract (to the party pleading the quantum meruit case).
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The Honourable Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago Mr Justice Ivor Archie O.R.T.T. v The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago [2018] UKPC 23: constitutional law, whether the Law Association of Trinidad & Tobago could initiate a formal inquiry into the conduct of a member of the higher judiciary which might in due course lead to his removal from office.
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Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (Appellant) v Environmental Management Authority and others [2018] UKPC 24: constitutional law, refusal of leave to challenge a Certificate of Environmental Clearance.
Keston McQuilkin
Call to Bar Trinidad & Tobago 2008
BA (Univ of West Indies) 2003
LLB (Univ of West Indies) 2006
Other interests:
Tutor, Trial Advocacy, Hugh Wooding Law School
Keston joined Chambers upon completing his legal studies and being admitted to the Bar. In the last decade he has proven himself to be a dynamic, thoughtful and well-prepared civil advocate. He has built up a comprehensive practice in matters concerning insurance, construction and general commercial litigation, together with property, estates, employment/industrial relations, occupational health and safety as well as judicial review and other public law matters. In addition to his court matters, he has appeared as junior counsel in several arbitrations and mediations; he has also appeared before the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Industrial Court.
Notable cases:
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Wayne Wills v Unilever Caribbean Ltd [CA No 56 of 2009]: damages, personal injuries, appeal against assessment; fresh evidence on appeal; loss of future earnings.
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Commission of Inquiry into the construction sector of Trinidad & Tobago chaired by Professor John Uff [2008-2010]: acted on behalf of Education Facilities Company of Trinidad & Tobago.
Jerome Herrera
Jerome is an advocate who strives in the practice of law that is sincere, intelligent and dependable. In addition to appearances before the Industrial Court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal, he has participated in mediations at the Dispute Resolution Centre and in an energy sector ICC Arbitration.
Jerome’s areas of practice include real property law, non-contentious and contentious probate proceedings, defamation, company law, personal injury - tortious and negligence claims, insurance law.
Call to Bar Trinidad & Tobago 2008
BA (Univ of West Indies) 2003
LLB (Univ of West Indies) 2006
Other interests:
First Lieutenant of Trinidad & Tobago Cadet Force
Tutor at Hugh Wooding Law School (Probate Practice & Procedure, Clinical Legal Education)
Director Panberi Steel Orchestra Company Limited
Director The Shelter for Battered Women and Children
Notable cases:
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Starlite Shopping Plaza Limited v Winston G Murrell and others [CV 2008-03055]: security of land tenure.
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Glen Pierre v Trevis Pierre-Smith and Trevis Pierre-Smith, as executrix of the estate of Lawrence Pierre [CV 2010-00171]: land, beneficial interest, promissory estoppel, family arrangement.
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Rajkumar Sankar v Erica St. Louis [CV. 2009-0443]: prescriptive rights, easement, trespass, nominal damages.
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Bernadette Sobers, Patricia Fraser and others v Sharon Fraser Benjamin [CV2014-02731]: wills, due execution; testamentary capacity, undue influence.
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Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago v Goodwill General Insurance Company Limited (In Liquidation) and others [CV2009-02529]: company law, Director’s liability, intent to defraud, insurance qualification, limitation of action.
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Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago v Worldwide Insurance Limited and Worldwide Bankers Re Company Limited [CV.2010-00758]: insurance, company registration, carry on insurance business, reinsurance.
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Kurt Lequay v Jian Enterprises Limited, Karen Lequay-Charles & Peter Charles [CV 2018-00628]: company oppression action; section 242 of Companies Act.
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Commission of Enquiry chaired by retired Justice of Appeal Mustapha Ibrahim, 2014-2016, set up to investigate the construction of the Las Alturas Towers at Lady Young Gardens, Morvant.
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ICC Arbitration - Damus Limited v BSI Services Trinidad Limited chaired by retired British Judge Sir Peter Creswell Q.C. to resolve a dispute pursuant to a FIDIC contract.
Pierre Rudder
Call to Bar Trinidad & Tobago 2013
LLB (Univ of London) 2011
Pierre joined Chambers in September 2018 after successfully completing his three-year contract as a Judicial Research Counsel having worked on a wide array of civil matters including land and commercial contract disputes and issues of judicial review. He was highly recommended for his work ethic, efficiency, analytical and writing skills.
He is developing his practice in commercial and civil litigation in line with Chambers' profile. He has acted as junior counsel in various matters, working on issues such as the construction of a tax warranty and indemnity clauses in a share purchase agreement, proof of debt in insolvency, a claim for specific performance of a construction contract, advice on breach of director's duty in insolvency matter.
Notable cases:
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The Director of Public Prosecutions v Kevon Nurse & the Public Defender’s Department [CA No: P134 of 2021]: acted as Junior Counsel in successfully overturning a High Court decision that deemed the DPP’s decision to continue a prosecution of Kevon Nurse after 20 years was unreasonable and unfair.
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Director of Public Prosecutions v Chris Durham also called Bouye (deceased) and 2 others [2024] UKPC 21: constitutional law, judicial review of decisions of the DPP to continue the prosecutions of the Respondents.
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The Attorney-General of Trinidad & Tobago v Dianne Hadeed, the Law Association of Trinidad & Tobago and the Registrar of the Supreme Court) [CA P310 of 2019]: acted as junior counsel for the Registrar where first instance decision reversed, deeming s15 (1A) of the Legal Profession Act, which provides an avenue of admission to the bar of Trinidad & Tobago for nationals only, as being unconstitutional as it discriminates on the grounds of origin.
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Mohammed v Gomez & Others [2019] UKPC 46: acted as junior counsel in matter where the Appellant was seeking to evict several land tenants of building land under the Security of Tenure Act upon their failure to submit written notice of their renewal of their tenancies with an option to purchase.
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Oilbelt Services Ltd v Territorial Oilfield Management Servies Ltd: [CV-2016-02182]: acted as junior counsel in matter where a claim seeking an indemnity for the breach of several tax warranties under a share purchase agreement was successfully defended.
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Republic Bank Ltd v Tri-Star Caribbean Inc [CA P266 of 2018]: acted as junior counsel where an award of compound interest and exemplary damages made against the Bank in a claim for wrongful retention of monies reversed.
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Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits SA v Deposit Insurance Corporation [CV2010-01442]: acted as junior counsel on behalf of liquidator contesting 8 million euros claim.
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Errol Phillip v Bernadette McKnight-Harlow and Siloma Cox [CV2019-01655]: successfully appeared on behalf of claimant in land partition and order of sale claim.
Dionne A A Springer
Call to Bar Trinidad & Tobago 2014
BSc (Univ of West Indies) 2004
MBA (Univ of West Indies) 2008
LLB (Univ of London) 2012
Dionne became a member of Bethany Chambers in September 2018. Dionne practises as a specialist advocate in construction and commercial litigation, financial regulation, public law, negligence, industrial relations/employment law, defamation, land, estates and tort.
Prior to private practice Dionne honed her research skills during her 4-year stint as a Judicial Research Counsel (JRC), working alongside Appellate and High Court Judges at the Judiciary of Trinidad &Tobago. This is further augmented by her wealth of knowledge and private and public sector work experience in Project, Construction and Contract Management and Business.
Notable cases:
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Deposit Insurance Corporation (as the Liquidator of Clico Investment Bank (CIB), In Compulsory Liquidation) v Richard Trotman, Louis Andre Monteil and Lennox Archer [CV 2010-01442]: Insolvency/Liquidation Fraudulent Trading Claim (Junior Counsel): Whether the former directors of CIB are liable for carrying on CIBs business with intent to defraud its creditors and/or with reckless disregard for CIBs inability or insufficiency of assets to pay its debts.
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Maritime Life (Caribbean) Limited v The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and The Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago {CA P104 of 2020; 2022 UKPC 37]: Junior Counsel before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Privy Council – Public Law, Judicial Review/Constitutional Claim against the decision of the Central Bank to approve the sale of the CLICO and BAT Traditional Insurance Portfolios to Sagicor
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Kenneth Harper and Others v Jean Harper [CV 2021-00487]: acting as Junior Counsel before High Court and Court of Appeal - appointment of Receiver/Committee pursuant to the Mental Health Act on competing applications of children and spouse of patient; whether it was in the best interest of the patient for his sons as opposed to his spouse to be appointed his Committee/Receiver.
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Andre Errol Baptiste and GEM Radio Five Limited v Buxo Potts [CA No. P342 of 2018]: acting as Junior Counsel in appeal concerning defamation lawsuit involving public official and the radio broadcasting media.
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Junior Counsel advising public bodies including the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, the Public Service Commission, public officials
and individuals in various matters on issues related to amenability to judicial review and potential defences; applicability of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the availability of exceptions; applicability of provisions within the Data Protection Act; the interpretation of provisions of the Constitution and the Tobago House of Assembly Act; the applicability and interpretation of provisions of the PSC Regulations; and the applicability of the Companies Act and Securities Act. -
Junior Counsel advising on liquidation proceedings including the viability of proof of debt claims and limitation issues
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Advised multiple private clients in relation to retrenchment and severance, wrongful and unfair dismissal, breach of confidentiality and
resignation -
Advised and represented as Junior Counsel senior management of public body at investigative and disciplinary hearing stages.
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Instructed as Counsel and Junior Counsel in multiple claims and/or defences in relation to outstanding sums on construction and othercontracts inclusive of matters on behalf of the Education Facilities Company Limited.
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Junior Counsel advising public body on compliance, statutory and contractual duties and obligations during state commissioned
investigation into contract awards. -
Junior Counsel advising and representing senior officials on issues related to contracts, procurement and employment law during internal
investigation into certain procurement events.
Tekiyah Jorsling
Call to Bar Trinidad & Tobago 2016
LLB (Univ of West Indies) 2014
Tekiyah joined Bethany in December 2016 upon being admitted to the Bar. Tekiyah has developed as a competent junior advocate in the full range of civil matters appearing before the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in matters involving commercial and construction contracts, insurance, insolvency/bankruptcy, fraud, negligence and real property/land. She has done significant public law work appearing in constitutional motions and judicial review applications in matters as diverse as environmental law to public sector employment law. Additionally Tekiyah has acted as junior counsel before specialist courts such as the Tax Appeal Board on oil and gas taxation, as well as ICC arbitration and the Securities and Exchange Commission in matters relating to financial accounting and market manipulation .
Notable cases:
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Warns Quarry Company Limited and Others v The Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions [CA P269-2024/CV2024-02432]: acting as junior counsel representing the Director of Public Prosecutions. Successfully resisted the Claimants/Appellants’ application for injunction to have returned to them material seised by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
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Vincent Nelson KC v The Director of Public Prosecutions [Crim. App. No.012/2023/Crim. HCA No.03/19]: acted as junior counsel representing the DPP in successfully resisting an application by the Claimant seeking leave to appeal his conviction and sentence.
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The Environmental Management Authority v Tobago House of Assembly [CV 2023-01843] – acted as junior counsel for the EMA in obtaining an injunction against the THA preventing the construction of a highway without first applying for a Certificate of Environmental Clearance
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Anand Ramlogan SC v The Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago and the Director of Public Prosecutions [CV2022-02521]: acted as junior counsel representing the DPP in a constitutional motion challenging the acquisition of communications data obtained via search warrants under the Interception of Communications Act Chapter 15:08 and Indictable Offences (Preliminary Enquiry) Act Chapter 12:01.
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Methanol Holdings Trinidad and Tobago Limited & Others v the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police [CV2020- 00886]: acted as junior counsel representing the DPP in judicial review application challenging the continued investigations into the collapse of the Colonial Life Insurance Company Limited and associated and subsidiary companies in 2014.
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In the Matter of the application for and purchase of 659,588 First Citizens Bank Limited’s shares by Mr. Hassan Phillip Rahaman on 12th August 2013 and his subsequent sale of 634,588 First Citizens Bank Limited’s shares on 14th January 2014 and the alleged contravention of Sections 91(1) 91 (2) and 94 of the Act – The Trinidad and Tobago Securities Commission v Hassan Rahaman and Others [2019] - acted as junior counsel for the TTSEC in enforcement proceedings arising out of the FCB 2014 IPO.
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The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago v the Board of Inland Revenue Tax Appeal No. I62 of 2012: acted as junior counsel representing NGC in an appeal of the Board of Inland Revenue’s oil and gas tax assessment.
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In the Matter of the Arbitration Act 1939, Chapter 5:01 of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago and in the matter of the arbitration between Daynco Limited and the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago: acted as junior counsel for NGC in an arbitration arising arising out of the termination of a contract for the inspection of NGC’s pipeline network. The issues included whether the FIDIC contract was wrongfully terminated and whether Daynco breached the terms of the contract in carrying out the inspection works.
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Fishermen and Friends of the Sea v Environmental Management Authority and others [2018] UKPC 24: acted as junior counsel representing the Ministry of Works and Transport in judicial review challenge of the Environmental Management Authority's decision to grant a Certificate of Environmental Clearance for the extension of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway Extension
Sadhna Lutchman
Call to Bar Trinidad & Tobago 2019
BSc (Univ of West Indies) 2012
LLB (Univ of London) 2017
Sadhna is a dedicated advocate, intent on achieving the best results for her clients. Sadhna did her internship at Chambers in 2018 and became a full-fledged member of Bethany after her call to the Bar in 2019. She has a wide-ranging practice that includes all Chambers' main areas of work in civil litigation, such as public law, land law, tax law, administration of estates, contract law and tort. She has appeared before the Magistrates' Court, Industrial Court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal most often as a junior advocate and occasionally on her own account. Committed to the proper use of alternative dispute resolution, Sadhna uses her adroit negotiating skills to settle, where possible, matters for her clients, saving them both costs and the stress of litigation.
In 2019 Sadhna acted as a research assistant to the Honourable Justice Kathy Ann Waterman-Latchoo on her book, "Newsroom Law" (UWI Press, 2020). Sadhna thoroughly enjoyed applying her research and scrupulous fact-checking skills to defamation, media and data protection law and legislation in the Caribbean.
Before studying for the Bar, Sadhna qualified and worked as a land valuer which complements her practice in land matters.
Contact:
BETHANY CHAMBERS
OUR ADDRESS
27 Pembroke Street
Port of Spain 100502
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Tel: 1 (868) 609 2100
Email: info@bethanychamberstt.com
