Message from Managing Partner (Charles and Associates (Trinidad))

 Dear Clients, Partners and Associates,
We do hope you continue to be safe during these difficult times. 
As we continue to monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and in fulfillment of our continued commitment to keep you, our Clients, Partners and Associates, updated of our firm’s operations during this time, we wish to advise of the following:
Firstly, we join the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Ministry of Health, in combating the spread of this disease. In so doing, our office has been operating remotely and instituting measures; measures aimed at providing support to you for all your legal needs, during this time. 

Before we delve into our operations during this time, we thought we would take the opportunity to provide some statistics. As of the afternoon of Saturday 11th April, 2020, the Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago has reported that 1102 samples have been submitted to CARPHA for testing for COVID-19, 112 samples have tested positive and there have been 8 COVID-19 related deaths. On the positive side, 12 persons have been discharged. A number of persons remain quarantined in government facilities, while others are quarantined at home or asked to remain in isolation. 

It is against this backdrop that we wish to assure you of our continued support during these times. The Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago has issued Practice Directions (COVID-19 Emergency Directions) as part of their mandate to ensure continued access to justice and to keep the Judiciary functioning during this time. While most matters are generally suspended until the 30th April, 2020, emergency/urgent applications (domestic violence, emergency applications for writs of habeas corpus, maintenance applications, urgent custody applications, evidentiary hearings in criminal cases), shall be heard during this time. The Court is also in the process of introducing filings and hearings by electronic means, to which our Firm intends to make full use, once onboarded. The Judiciary and the Law Association have both pledged to continue to provide the necessary support remotely. As such, please do not hesitate to contact us, if any such circumstances arise.

During this time, the Firm is diligently and astutely reviewing each and every file, to ensure that all outstanding actions are brought up to date. Therefore, during this time, you may receive emails as this Clients’ Case Management exercise continues. These emails may require information, documents and/or provide general updates. This would allow us to hit the ground running, as soon as the relevant restrictions are lifted.  

We remain committed to providing the same level of legal services to each of our clients as well as any new clients, as we not only value our relationships with you, but the trust you have instilled in us. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns at any time. Should you wish to contact us, please do so by email at derriann@charlesandassociateslaw.com and by phone via (868) 762-1008.

We will respond to your emails in a timely manner.

We take this opportunity to continue to wish you well and hope that you and your families stay safe and healthy.

Thank you for entrusting your business to Charles & Associates.

Best regards, 

Ms. Derriann P. Charles, B. Sc, LL.B, LL.M.
Attorney-at-Law

Trademark & Patent Agents and Notary Public