Scoon served summons concerning Ocean Pelican matter

Businessman Adrian Scoon has been served a summons detailing the charges against him in connection with the Boxing Day brunch party that was held on his boat, the Ocean Pelican.

3450388
RHONDOR DOWLAT-ROSTANT

Businessman Adrian Scoon has been served a summons detailing the charges against him in connection with the Boxing Day brunch party that was held on his boat, the Ocean Pelican.

Guardian Media understands that Scoon was served by summons, late on Monday afternoon.

The confirmation was made by Scoon’s attorney Kiel Taklalsingh, who told Guardian Media that he was unaware of all the details, including when Scoon is expected to appear before a Magistrate.

Scoon is the son of the Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon.

Scoon was interviewed by investigators in early February.  Prior to those interviews, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) had given assurances that the probe into the MV Ocean Pelican’s Boxing Day event was ongoing.

The team of investigators are working along with the Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard SC and his team.

The Police Service had confirmed a January 4th meeting between DCP Wendell Williams and his investigative team and the team at the DPP’s Office.  Since then, the investigation has been ongoing.

On January 3rd, the United National Congress (UNC) had called on the TTPS to include four senior Cabinet members in the probe, and for their cellular phones to be seized. This followed allegations of interference by the Attorney General on the night of the sailing, as well as claims of permission being granted by other Government Ministers for the event to take place.

On Boxing Day, 26th December 2021, police officers detained 100 people on board the MV Ocean Pelican in Chaguaramas.

The 100 were detained, processed, and subsequently released. The Police Service had said at that time that consultations were held with the DPP, and a probe begun to ascertain if there were any breaches of the Public Health Regulations.

Section 4(1)(b) of the regulations prohibits the operation of a party boat.  However, Scoon reportedly told the TTPS that it was in fact a floating restaurant. Restaurants are allowed to operate as Safe Zones under section 8(1) (a) under the regulations.