Irish Developer being sued in the Caribbean

Cellate International & Construction Group (CICG), an Irish construction group with a subsidiary, Cellate Caribbean, located at 1st Avenue, Belleville, St Michael, Barbados is being sued for misappropriation of funds.

Two Caribbean companies are suing the Irish developer over allegedly diverting for its own use large sums out of $52 million paid to the company for a major hotel and resort development in the Caribbean alleged to be left unfinished.

Mr. Pádraig O'Halloran, his girlfriend, and others are now being sued before the Caribbean courts by two companies owned by David Ames, of Essex, England.

Mr. Ames's companies - Harlequin Property (SVG) Ltd and Harlequin Hotels and Resorts Ltd - have brought their proceedings arising from their allegedly engaging two companies of Mr. O'Halloran's - ICE Group (SVG) Ltd and Cellate Caribbean (SVG) Ltd - in 2008 to complete the construction of a multimillion-dollar development in Buccament Bay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Irish proceedings concern the alleged transfer by Mr O'Halloran of some €1.14 million to Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB accounts. It is claimed the monies were sent to an account in Mr O'Halloran's own name and to an account held by his father, 78-year-old Donal O'Halloran.

The Irish proceedings were admitted to the Commercial Court this week by Mr Justice Peter Kelly. Interim freezing orders related to certain accounts of both men were previously granted and have been continued to August.