A Layou woman is suing the Barrouallie & Layou Prudential Friendly Society over the non-payment of death benefit.
Deborah Eleanor Cruickshank, the administratrix in the estate of Carmel Elizabeth Millington, has sued the directors of the friendly society, Gilbert Frederick, Joevika O’garro, Shanelle Dasilva, Carlton Browne and Dornelle Fitzpatrick.
The society, represented by counsel Jemalie John, did not acknowledge the claim when the matter came up for hearing before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offences Court on Dec. 5.
Cruickshank is claiming against the defendants for breach of contract and consequential loss.
Millington, who died on Feb. 2, was a member of the friendly society before her death and contributed to it during her lifetime.
The lawsuit alleges that despite several requests by Cruickshank to the defendants, they have failed and/or refused to pay the death benefit, thereby failing to fulfill their obligations to the estate of the deceased.
“This has caused significant consequential loss to the administratrx,” the claim form says.
Cruickshank is asking the court to award special damages of EC$6,200, special damages of $ 7,000 and fees of EC$1,500 for a total award of EC$14,700.
At the Dec. 5 hearing, the court ordered the friendly society to disclose to Cruickshank’s lawyer, Grant Connell, the audited financial records of the friendly society for 2023.
The directors of the friendly society are presented by lawyer Jemalie John.
The next hearing in the matter is set for Jan. 9, 2025.
I love this. Very excellent. More people have more claims to bring against friendly societies that just ups and leave and paying folks cannot receive their benefits