In Brief
- Housing Minister David Lee has announced his intention to appeal a recent High Court ruling that dismissed his challenge against the reinstatement of fraud charges related to a TT$1.4 million vehicle tax exemption.
- Lee stressed that the recent judgment by Justice Westmin James relates strictly to legal procedure and ‘not a determination of my guilt.’
- The minister raised concerns regarding due process and natural justice, noting that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) moved to reinstate the charges without notifying him after he had been discharged by an acting chief magistrate in April 2025.
(CMC) – Housing Minister David Lee said on Monday that he intends to appeal a recent High Court ruling, maintaining that the decision relates to a legal procedure and does not constitute a finding of criminal guilt against him.
In a statement, Lee raised concerns about due process and procedural fairness, while stating that he has substantial grounds to challenge the ruling.
He said that the recent High Court judgment has generated considerable public discussion and “unfortunately, some of that commentary has created a misleading impression of what the Court actually decided.”
“I want to be unequivocal: I have not been found guilty of any offence. No court has determined that the allegations against me have been proven. The recent judgment concerns a legal procedure and not a determination of my guilt,” Lee said, adding that the distinction is fundamental and must not be lost in political commentary or public speculation.
Last week, a High Court judge dismissed a challenge filed by Lee over the method used by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to reinstate fraud charges against him in relation to a vehicle tax exemption he received as a legislator.
Justice Westmin James rejected Lee’s judicial review and constitutional claim against the DPP’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General in the civil lawsuit, which is related to a criminal case brought against Lee and businessman Hugh Leong Poi in September 2022.
The duo had been accused of conspiring to defraud the State of TT$1.4 million in tax revenue, related to the importation of a vehicle valued at over TT$2 million.
The taxes in the case include TT$293,094.02 in Value Added Tax (VAT), TT$298,650 in motor vehicle tax, and TT$824,548.62 in customs duty. Lee was accused of falsely claiming the vehicle was his in order to claim tax exemptions to which he was entitled as a legislator.
The offences were alleged to have occurred between March 24 and June 8, 2019. Lee and Leong Poi elected to have a preliminary enquiry in the case before a magistrate instead of a sufficiency hearing before a High Court Master, after the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act (AJIPA) was proclaimed in December 2023.
In April last year, Acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles dismissed the charges against the duo after their lawyers pursued a no-case submission claiming that there was insufficient evidence to sustain the charges and warrant a trial.
However, several months later, the DPP’s Office successfully applied under the Indictable Offences (Preliminary Enquiry) Act (PE Act) for a High Court judge to review the magistrate’s decision and reinstate the case.
In his statement on Monday, Lee said that in April 2025, following a preliminary enquiry conducted over four days—during which evidence from 19 witnesses and 21 witness statements was considered—the acting chief magistrate “discharged me.”
“She determined that the prosecution’s evidence was inherently weak and that, even taken at its highest, a properly directed jury could not properly convict upon it,” he stated.
Lee said that notwithstanding that decision, the DPP subsequently applied to the High Court on the final day permitted for such an application, “without notifying me or affording me an opportunity to be heard.”
“A warrant was subsequently issued for my arrest, without reasons being provided to explain the departure from the magistrate’s findings,” Lee said, adding that “of particular concern is that this procedure was pursued under legislation which had been repealed by the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act, 2011.”
“My attorneys have advised that the use of this former procedure raises serious legal questions, particularly concerning my right to be heard and the fundamental principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.
“While I respect the independence and authority of the judiciary, I respectfully disagree with the recent High Court decision. My attorneys have advised that there are substantial grounds for appeal and good prospects of success. I have accepted that advice and intend to pursue the appropriate appellate remedies.”
Lee said that he has also noted the political commentary surrounding the matter, and stressed the importance of ensuring it remains factual.
“While public officials must always be subject to scrutiny and accountability, that scrutiny must be grounded in facts. A procedural ruling should never be presented as a finding of criminal guilt.”
The senior government minister said that the principles of fairness, due process, and the presumption of innocence “are not privileges reserved for some,” adding, “they are rights afforded to every citizen and I intend to exercise those rights fully.”
“Throughout my years in public life, I have remained committed to serving Trinidad and Tobago and the people who have placed their confidence in me. As Minister of Housing, my focus remains on addressing the housing needs of our citizens, expanding opportunities for homeownership, and delivering meaningful improvements in people’s lives. My commitment to the constituents of Caroni Central remains equally unwavering.”
Lee said he remains grateful to his family, colleagues, constituents, and the many citizens who have continued to extend their support and confidence.
“I will not allow political speculation to substitute for due process, nor will I allow these proceedings to distract me from the responsibilities entrusted to me by the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
“I have confidence in the judicial process and I will pursue every lawful avenue available to me. My record of service, my commitment to this country, and my determination to continue working for its people will not be defined by allegations or political commentary. I remain focused on the work ahead. I will continue to serve with conviction, with purpose, and with an unwavering commitment to the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said in his statement.
