Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

VAZ

Buff Bay, Portland:

Embattled Western Portland Member of Parliament, Daryl Vaz, is to return to court on March 18, to answer charges of breaches of the Public Order Act and breaches of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Act.

The MP, who appeared in the Resident Magistrate's court in Buff Bay yesterday, was making his first appearance since being served with a summons by the police on February 13, while in Parliament.

Police statements

Yesterday, the police provided statements in court regarding an incident on December 5, last year, in which the MP allegedly hurled expletives at Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) for Portland, Cornell Messam, during a political gathering in Buff Bay.

The statements also said the MP refused to comply with an order given by the police to break up the political gathering.

However, attorney-at-law Tom Tavares-Finson, who is representing Vaz, questioned the court as to why the petty matter was referred to the office of the Director of Public Prose-cutions (DPP) for a ruling.

The attorney also said he had not yet received any copies of statements from the police.

"I find it odd and strange that the DSP took it on himself to seek the intervention of the DPP," he said.

"This is regarded as a petty matter, which could have or can be settled without the intervention of the DPP. I am hoping that the documents from the police will be forwarded to me before the next court hearing."

Presiding judge, Justice Marjorie Moyston, agreed that the matter was a simple one which should be easily settled without raising any eyebrows and issued instructions for Vaz's attorney to be provided with the necessary documents.

Late call-up

After the adjournment, Vaz, who spoke briefly with The Gleaner, said he had no complaints regarding the new trial date. Earlier the MP mentioned that the summons clearly stated that trial was set for 10:00 a.m. yesterday, and that he was not impressed that the case was called up nearly two hours after its scheduled start time.

"I am a sitting MP, who has to see to the business of the people," he said.