22 April 2024
PRESS CONFERENCE Wednesday April 24th 2024
10:00 AM AST/ 3:00 PM GMT
BACOL Policy Holders owed more than EC $800,000,000.00
Case before the Caribbean Court of Justice
The British American Insurance Company Ltd and Colonial Life Insurance
Company Ltd Policy Holders Group (BACOL) invites you to an urgent press
conference in which Dr Patrick Antoine, President of BACOL will share
details of vital importance to the citizens of CARICOM.
ZOOM LINK
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/86106535171?pwd=2Uu7baibeWR44GpuCYhfYQlr965MJl.1
18 September 2023
Important Update for BACOL Policyholders: Progress and Next Steps in Legal Proceedings.
Two–Phase Approach to the Legal Case
- No Additional Costs for Policyholders
- Request for Outstanding Documents
In response to the eagerly anticipated developments surrounding the ongoing legal
proceedings of the BACOL case at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), stakeholders
and case managers convened in a significant BACOL General Meeting. The meeting
delivered a comprehensive overview of recent advancements, as presented by Dr.
Patrick Antoine, President of BACOL, and Mr. Gregory Pantin, a distinguished legal
practitioner closely associated with the case.
Structured Two–Phase Legal Approach:
During the convened assembly, Dr. Patrick Antoine and Mr. Gregory Pantin
elucidated a meticulous two–phase trajectory for the ongoing legal case. The first
phase of the legal process will be dedicated to a specific subset of policyholders. This
intricately designed phase–based methodology seeks to enhance procedural
efficiency and expediency. Upon the culmination of the initial phase, the subsequent
stage will encompass a broader spectrum, including all other implicated islands and
claimants. This methodical two–phase approach underscores the strategic emphasis
on a comprehensive and equitable resolution.
Absence of Supplementary Financial Implications:
Amidst apprehensions regarding potential supplementary expenses due to the
phased proceedings, stakeholders have been reassured that no supplementary
financial implications will arise from this approach. The existing financial
commitment caters comprehensively to both phases of the legal proceedings. This assurance underscores BACOL’s commitment to ensuring unencumbered access to
legal recourse for all policyholders.
Requisition for Pending Documentation:
In a concerted effort to fortify the legal proceedings, stakeholders are earnestly
requested to furnish any pending documentation to their appointed case managers.
Recognizing the pivotal role of these documents in formulating a robust legal
representation, stakeholders’ cooperation has been solicited to bolster the efficacy
of the legal strategy.
The collective perseverance and unwavering commitment demonstrated by the
registered members throughout this intricate process have been profoundly
acknowledged. BACOL remains resolutely dedicated to securing a favorable and
equitable resolution for each policyholder. Collaboratively, the proficient BACOL
team, alongside legal experts, continues to steadfastly navigate the complexities
intrinsic to these legal proceedings, steadfast in their pursuit of justice.
For regular updates, stakeholders are encouraged to maintain connectivity through
their respective case managers or by visiting the official BACOL website at
www.bacol.info. The tenacity and unwavering trust of the stakeholders are
profoundly appreciated and reciprocated. Together, a triumphant resolution to this
intricate legal juncture stands within reach.
24 March 2023
The British American Policyholder case proceeds to the next phase.
On Tuesday March 21st, 2023, Attorneys representing the British American Insurance and CLICO Policyholders Group (BACOL) against the Government of Trinidad and Tobago attended a Case Management Conference at the Caribbean Court of Justice, (CCJ).
At that conference, the CCJ delivered a list of instructions to both parties. The instructions issued by the CCJ must be complied with prior to the next Case Management Conference which will be held on Monday July 3rd 2023.
Among the instructions are the requirements to file approved grounds upon which the case will be heard; for both parties to file written submissions on whether BACOL can expand the Register of Claimants beyond those listed when the matter was originally filed, and to file all evidence and make all disclosures relevant to the case.
Last Tuesday’s Case Management Conference followed a judgement issued by the CCJ on Tuesday March 7th 2023, in which the Court confirmed that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has a case to answer regarding the BACOL contention that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s plan to protect the funds of British American Insurance policyholders of certain subsidiaries of CL Financial (CLF) after its collapse, discriminated against them on the basis of nationality. Such discrimination is in contravention of Part Two – Article 184 Section 1J of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
BACOL was formed in Grenada in 2013 give British American and CLICO policyholders, a fair shot at reversing the injustice suffered since the collapse of both entities in 2009.
18 March 2023
Dr. Antoine has been speaking to St. Vincent media in advance of 21 march 2023 appearance at CCJ.
