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CJ rules for No Legal Aid; Accused Cydero Smith confirms he has a lawyer
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2024 – The case of CYDEREO SMITH was called for its Sufficiency hearing but despite the readiness of the Public Prosecutor in the matter, it could not proceed.
There was some confusion concerning who is to be representing the defendant and who is paying – be it legal aid or privately funded – the legal fees.
Oliver Smith, KC appeared and addressed her Ladyship, Hon Chief Justice (CJ), Mrs. Mable Agyemang, by stating his firm was assigned the matter through legal aid.
It was assigned to his female junior counsel, Ms. Kimone Tennant. He told her Ladyship she has not yet returned in
It was disclosed that the defendant, Cydero Smith, was paying Ms. Lara Maroof – Misick privately to represent him.
The King’s Counsel indicated that Mrs. Maroof-Misick had filed submissions, but since the legal aid was just assigned, his junior assistant counsel and not being here, they are not prepared for today and would want to speak to Ms. Maroof Misick also before going forward.
The CJ was not pleased and made the decision not to allow legal aid to continue in the matter “since the accused’s family is paying Mrs. Maroof Misick privately.”
CJ Agyemang said that counsels must remember or note that adjournment proceedings are not covered by legal aid.
“So Mr. Smith,KC, please advise your junior that she no longer has legal aid in this matter as I am vacating the legal and no one will be paid from legal aid for today’s adjournment hearing in this matter.”
The accused CYDEREO SMITH was then allowed to speak, and he told the court he did not want the legal aid. His family was paying Mrs. Maroof for his representation. The CJ then pushed the matter back one more month to the February sufficiency hearing.
There was no mention of the allegations against Smith at that hearing.