Defense seeks to dismiss fraud trial of Reid and four others over indictment flaw naming only two defendants.

The defence has moved to dismiss the fraud trial of former Education Minister Ruel Reid and four others, arguing a critical legal flaw: the indictment’s foundational document only named Reid and Fritz Pinnock, excluding three other defendants. Defence lawyers claim this renders the trial invalid for the remaining accused, calling it a "nullity," while the prosecution maintains the case is properly joint, citing multiple documents and a court-approved procedural order. The trial, alleging a $25 million fraud involving the Ministry of Education and Caribbean Maritime University, faces a ruling from Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell on whether to proceed. Disclosure issues also arose, with newly introduced WhatsApp messages prompting a judge’s order for the Crown to provide all relevant evidence by October 24.