Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
THE NATIONAL Water Commission (NWC) has made good on its threat to file a lawsuit against Magil Construction Jamaica Company Limited and its affiliate Magil Palms Limited.
"We have already filed suit, but we have not served as yet because there is the issue of finding the gentleman," Gawaine Forbes, legal council at the NWC, told The Gleaner, yesterday.
The water company is challenging Joseph Gustadt, president and chief executive officer of both firms, who dared the companies and individuals he accused of corruption to come forward and face the music.
"And, now we are daring him to come forward and answer to the courts ... otherwise, it is a malicious lick and run," Mr. Forbes said.
He revealed that the NWC had already drafted the particulars of claim, which outlines the basis of the company's legal stance.
All that remains is for Mr. Gustadt to be served. However, this might prove difficult, as Mr. Gustadt was in Israel when he last spoke with The Gleaner.
ANOTHER LAWSUIT
However, Mr. Forbes said the law would catch up with Mr. Gustadt, that is, if he does not return to the island willingly.
At the same time, Charles Buchanan, corporate and public relations manager at the NWC, confirmed that the person named by Mr. Gustadt in the extensive document that was circulated to the media is also filing a lawsuit.
In the report released earlier this month, Mr. Gustadt criticised the business practices of representatives from the NWC, the National Environment and Planning Agency, the St. Catherine Parish Council and political parties. He claimed that bribery demands and other corrupt practices cost his company in excess of $124 million.
