The case involving the decision by the University of the West Indies, UWI, to terminate Professor Brendan Bain as director of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training Network, CHART, is scheduled to get under way in the Supreme Court today.
The matter is to be heard by Supreme Court Justices, Lenox Campbell, Paulette Williams and Frank Williams.
In May last year Professor Bain was issued with a termination letter by Vice Chancellor of UWI, Nigel Harris.
This followed his testimony in a case in Belize where a gay man was challenging the constitutionality of that country’s buggery laws.
Professor Bain who is a leading medical authority on the HIV epidemic in the region, had testified that there is a higher degree of HIV and cancer among men who have sex with men.
In dismissing Bain, the UWI said he had lost the confidence of the community CHART serves.
This after several gay and human rights groups objected to him remaining as head of the programme.
But, Professor Bain has challenged the decision, which he says is a breach of his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
He’s also seeking damages for embarrassment and for harming his reputation.
Last year June, Professor Bain obtained an injunction barring his termination, which was due to take effect on June 15.
Both sides are expected to argue their case over the next five days.
—30—
