By Saikou Suwareh Jabai
The Gambia Consumer Protection Tribunal begins its first case yesterday, 18th July, 2016, at the Bundung magistrate court, presided
over by Magistrate Momodou S. Jallow. The case involves one Arafang Touray and Tracy Drew (plaintiffs) against Dinesh Vasnani of Global Electronics (defendant).
When the case was mentioned, Abdoulie Colley stood up and announced his presence as the attorney for the plaintiff and the defendant’s lawyer was absent.
The magistrate said the plaintiff’s claim is for the recovery of the sum of D274,950 against the defendant, being cost of solar panel accessories (batteries and inverter), cost of technician D2250, court cost of D1250, cost of investigation D30,000, service fee of D150, damages of D100,000 and other reliefs the court deems fit.
In presenting the particulars of claim, the magistrate said the plaintiff’s claim is for the recovery of the sum of D274,950 against the defendant, being the cost of solar panel accessories (battery and inverter) which the plaintiff bought from the defendant’s shop but could not serve the purpose for which the plaintiff bought it. He said the claim indicates that the plaintiff and the defendant were invited to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat of the Consumer Protection Office when the plaintiff reported the matter but to no avail.
When the matter was put before the defendant, he denied liability.
The representative of the plaintiff said he wanted to bring two witnesses to testify before the court.
The magistrate said since this was a fresh case, he adjourned the case to next week Monday and Wednesday respectively for hearing. He however advised the defendant to make sure that his representative is present on the adjourned date, as the case will proceed with or without his representative.
