Lorne Ramsoomair, a widower who brought private manslaughter charges against three doctors over the death of his wife during childbirth in 2011 has withdrawn his case.
When the matter was called yesterday in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Nanette Forde-John Ramsumair’s attorney, Ravi Rajcoomar, asked for it to be discontinued.
However, speaking to reporters outside the court after the matter was heard, Rajcoomar said he was not at liberty to say why the proceedings were discontinued.
Ramsoomair, who stood close by, said quietly: “I just want to remind everyone that the reason all of this took place is because my wife lost her life.”
Crystal Boodoo-Ramsoomair, 29, died on March 4, 2011 after her third Caesarean section at the San Fernando General Hospital.
In January of this year, Rajcoomar had written to then Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan asking for $3.5 million to discontinue criminal and civil proceedings against three doctors linked to the surgery.
Drs Mondira Seenath, Deepavali Ramballack and Ashmeed Mohammed have been appearing before deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington in the San Fernando court since last year but the charge had not been read to them because of the objections raised by their attorney.
They were represented by attorney Jagdeo Singh, who appeared with Saira Lakhan.
After court yesterday, Singh said his clients preferred not to speak to the media but were relieved the “legal terrorism” was over.
He said: “My clients were simply doing their duty and trying to save a life.”
He said his clients would have to decide whether they would take any action of their own as their reputations have suffered. In May 2012, Ramsoomair had sued the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) and the three doctors for negligence.
The SWRHA admitted liability in the civil case and Justice Frank Seepersad entered judgment against the health authority.