Port-of-Spain (Trinidad Express):

A silver Mercedes Benz valued at more than $1 million was delivered to embattled Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma, on the very day that the police made their second attempt to arrest him on charges of perverting the course of justice last year.

The car bears registration number PCA 3. The number three represents the third-highest official of the country - the Chief Justice - the first two being the president and then the Prime Minister.

Perverting justice

Last December, the Privy Council ruled against a motion brought by Sharma seeking to block his arrest last year and has determined that he has to pay all of the State's costs in that matter. Sharma has since been charged with attempting to pervert the course of public justice and is currently before the courts.

Attorney-General John Jeremie said last week the State's fees could amount to $5 million. Con-tacted for comment on the Mercedes purchase last night, Jeremie declined.

Sharma could not be reached for comment.

Pending legal matters

Sharma also has other pending legal matters against the State, seeking to block the establishment of a tribunal by the President to investigate whether he should be removed from office.

He continues to hold the office of Chief Justice and is entitled to his full salary and perks. Those perks, according to the 80th report of the Salaries Review Commission, which was approved by Parliament last year, include the purchase of a new or used vehicle without the payment of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT).

The Parliament also approved the SRC recommendation of a monthly salary for the Chief Justice of $40,500 tax free. Sharma is also entitled to a loan of $300,000 at a rate of six per cent per annum, repayable over a period of six years to facilitate the purchase of the car.