Communication 90-93 Paul S. Haye v Gambia (The).pdf
Communication 90-93 Paul S. Haye v Gambia (The).pdf
90/93 : Paul S. Haye / Gambia (The)
The Facts
1. In November 1987, the Complainant hired Edward Gomez, an attorney, to register a company for
him. Complainant paid to Mr Gomez a sum of D7,150 in fees, but the company was never registered.
In March 1990, Complainant sued Mr Gomez for the return of the money. Mr Gomez filed a
counterclaim, but before the suit could be heard the judge who had been scheduled to hear the case
resigned. After inquiries to discover when the suit would be heard, Complainant was told to await
notice by the court.
2. On 2nd October 1991, a minivan belonging to the complainant was seized. He was informed that
after failure to appear in court on 28th May 1991, a default judgment was entered in favour of Mr
Gomez, and the mini3-van was seized to satisfy the judgement. Complainant filed a motion for leave
to appeal the judgment to the Gambia Court of Appeal on the grounds that he never received
notification of the 28th May court date. This motion was heard by the same judge who made the
original judgment, and was denied. Therefore the complainant alleges that he has no further domestic
remedies available.
Argument
3. Complainant alleged violation of his rights under Article 7 to have his cause heard. The Supreme
Court judge had absolute discretion to disallow an appeal of his own judgment. Questions also arise
over the adequacy of the procedure of service (notification of hearing date.)
Decision
4. At its 16th Session the Commission declared the case inadmissible for non-exhaustion of local
remedies. The Complainant by reason of his own default and/or negligence, did not seek to appeal to
the Court of Appeal of The Gambia against the decision of the Supreme Court referring his application
for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Upon the complainant being notified of this decision he
wrote back urging the Commission to review its decision on the same grounds he had advanced
before. As no new grounds are raised or shown, the Commission finds no reason to disturb its
previous decision which is accordingly reaffirmed.