Demerara Bank now required to file defence in bank account closure case

Demerara Bank Limited is now required to file its defence in the bank account closure case brought by candidates of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party.

On Thursday, the Full Court, by majority ruling, dismissed the Bank’s appeal against an earlier High Court decision that refused to strike out the case.

Simply put, the Court found that WIN Candidates’ claim disclosed a possible cause of action and should be heard properly before any final decision is made. This move doesn’t mean that the WIN candidates have won the case, but rather that Demerara Bank’s request to have the case dismissed without being heard was denied.

Now, the substantive matter will continue, with the Court having to eventually decide on the merits of the accounts-closure claim.

Several banks moved to close the accounts of WIN candidates over concerns about their association with Azruddin Mohamed, who has now been indicted by the United States.