‘Que Pasa’ asks for state appointed attorney before his hearing

Antonio “Que Pasa” Gellizeau has asked the state to assign him a lawyer before his sentencing hearing takes place today, Friday, at the High Court.{{more}}

Gellizeau, who was convicted on March 9, 2012, in the largest money laundering case in the OECS, had his sentencing matter called up and adjourned at the Criminal Assizes on Friday, February 22.

When Gellizeau appeared in court, he said that one of his lawyers in his case, Trinidadian Theodore Guerra SC, had died.

Guerra, who died of colon cancer in December 2012, represented Gellizeau in the matter, along with St Lucian Alberton Richelieu and local attorney Stephen Williams.

Gellizeau said that he has no one to act on his behalf and stated that he would not be responding to the allegations against him.

He further indicated that that since his assets are frozen, he would like the state to assign UK based attorney Shiraz Aziz to represent him.

He added that he did not want attorney Stephen Williams to appear on his behalf in his matter.

In this jurisdiction, legal aid is only granted for charges of murder.

Chief Magistrate Sonya Young found Gellizeau guilty at the Serious Offences Court for concealing on the Yacht “Jotobin” on April 5, 2008, at Calliaqua, US$1,733,463 (EC$4,628,346), which in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, represents proceeds of criminal conduct.

He was also convicted of bringing the money into St Vincent and the Grenadines on the yacht.

Gellizeau was charged along with Bermudian Winston Robinson, 70, who was also found guilty.

Kent Andrews, a third man who was jointly charged in the matter, was found not guilty on all charges.

An order has already been made for confiscation of Gellizeau’s assets under the proceeds of the crime and money laundering act. Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Colin John told SEARCHLIGHT that the crown has already indicated to the defense that they would be advancing the argument for confiscation.

John said documents were served on attorney Stephen Williams, whom he said accepted service of them.

Gellizeau will today state his position in relation to being represented.(KW)