(CMR) Caymanian contractor Cliff Ian Groves (55) T/A Pegasus Development is suing Davenport Development Ltd. for what he claims is a breach of contract after Davenport canceled its contact with Groves in July 2021.
The cancellation followed a CMR expose where Groves was accused of leaving six Honduran men stranded in the Cayman Islands. He was also heard on a WhatsApp voice note telling workers that he would be putting in their work permits for a lesser position in order to save on work permit fees. This is a punishable immigration offense.
Director Paul Pearson commented on a July 8 CMR talk show noting that his company does not want to be associated with any person or organization who does not follow the laws of the country. He shared that in the past, his company had been tarnished because of the unscrupulous actions of other contractors. They were keen to ensure that all workers on their projects were treated fairly and in accordance with the law.
In light of what was disclosed in the article, talk show and voice notes he was no longer comfortable doing business with Groves – whose business dealing had been called in some disrepute.
The contract was subsequently canceled orally the same day followed by written notice the following day. Groves claims in his Writ of Summons that this was “an apparent marketing stunt”.
He is claiming that he has lost some CI$292,543.68 from the cancellation of the contract. He is also claiming that his reputation was damaged as a result of the manner in which the contract was canceled and he seeks unspecified damages for that as well. Further, he asserts that the defendant pressured other clients “to also repudiate their contracts with the plaintiff to remain in favour with the Defendant.”
Despite appearing to commit multiple immigration offenses it does not appear that Groves will be facing any criminal charges in the matter. Groves is the brother-in-law of former Premier Alden McLaughlin. He is represented by Chapmans.
Legal advisors speaking to CMR indicated that contracts can be canceled for a variety of reasons including poor professional behavior. The lawyers consulted are not connected to this matter.
He had previously threatened CMR on social media that he would be suing the publication also.
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